By Omotosho Victor Fiyinfoluwa(SIWES student, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti)
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert (No. 037/2023) regarding the circulation of five contaminated syrups in World Health Organization (WHO) regions, including America, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific.
According to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the affected syrups—ALERGO Syrup, EMIDONE Suspension, MUCORID Syrup, ULCOFIN Suspension, and ZINCELL Syrup—manufactured by PHARMIX LABORATORIES (PVT.) LTD (Pakistan), contain unacceptable levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, confirmed by laboratory tests.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) recommended a halt to the production of all oral liquid dosage medicines by PHARMIX LABORATORIES and issued a recall alert for the mentioned products due to potential contamination in other batches.
Diethylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol are toxic, and their consumption can be fatal, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and acute kidney injury.
Adeyeye emphasized the risk of substandard products, particularly in children, urging caution in the supply chain and recommending thorough checks on product authenticity and physical condition.
NAFDAC, while noting that the products are not registered by them, called for vigilance from importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
Adeyeye advised those possessing the listed products not to sell or use them, instead submitting stocks to the nearest NAFDAC office.
She urged immediate medical advice for those who may have used the products and encouraged reporting adverse reactions through various channels provided by NAFDAC, emphasizing the importance of obtaining medical products from authorized suppliers.
