Infostride News Issues Urgent Warning: 5 Syrups and Suspensions Contaminated, NAFDAC Raises Alarm

Infostride News reports that the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a crucial alert to healthcare providers and the general public concerning the presence of five different oral liquid dosage forms, namely syrup and suspension, discovered in the Maldives and Pakistan. These concerning pharmaceuticals have also been identified in Belize, Fiji, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, raising international alarms.

The implicated products, namely ALERGO Syrup, EMIDONE Suspension, MUCORID Syrup, ULCOFIN Suspension, and ZINCELL Syrup, collectively comprising 23 batches, all trace their origin back to the manufacturer PHARMIX LABORATORIES (PVT.) LTD in Pakistan. The gravity of the situation came to light when samples of ALERGO syrup underwent screening in November 2023 by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority, revealing alarming levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol contaminants.

Subsequent testing by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia further confirmed the presence of ethylene glycol contamination in all five batches. This revelation has prompted a comprehensive response from relevant authorities, urging caution and heightened vigilance within the healthcare supply chain to mitigate the potential importation, distribution, sale, and use of these hazardous oral dosage forms.

An inspection conducted by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan expressed concerns not only about the specific products but also about the broader product range of PHARMIX LABORATORIES. In response, the regulatory body took decisive action by suspending the production of all oral liquid dosage medicines from the manufacturer and issuing a recall alert specifically targeting the five identified oral dosage forms. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any further harm to consumers and underscores the gravity of the situation.

Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, identified in the contaminated pharmaceuticals, are highly toxic to humans and can lead to severe health complications, including abdominal pain, vomiting, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury. In extreme cases, ingestion of these contaminants can be fatal, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures and robust regulatory actions.

Despite not being registered by NAFDAC, there is a looming risk of these substandard cough syrups finding their way into various markets, including Nigeria, through both formal and informal channels. NAFDAC, therefore, emphasizes the critical importance of caution and increased vigilance within the supply chain to safeguard public health.

Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are strongly urged by NAFDAC to verify the authenticity and physical condition of medical products obtained from authorized and licensed suppliers. Furthermore, the regulatory agency advises against the sale or use of the listed products and encourages individuals in possession of these items to promptly submit them to the nearest NAFDAC office for proper disposal.

For those who have used the affected products and may have experienced adverse reactions, NAFDAC strongly recommends seeking immediate medical advice from qualified healthcare professionals. This precautionary step is essential in addressing any potential health risks associated with the consumption of these contaminated pharmaceuticals.

NAFDAC, in its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public, calls on healthcare professionals and consumers alike to report any suspicions of adverse drug reactions, substandard, or falsified medicines. Reports can be made to the nearest NAFDAC office or through various reporting platforms, including a toll-free number and email. Additionally, the public is encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to medicinal product use through the NAFDAC website, the Med-safety application on Android and iOS stores, or via email.

In conclusion, heightened awareness and swift reporting are pivotal in ensuring the safety and integrity of medical products within the Nigerian market. NAFDAC’s proactive measures and public engagement play a crucial role in addressing the potential risks associated with the distribution and consumption of these substandard oral dosage forms, underlining the importance of a collaborative effort to protect public health.