Board recalls cough syrup following death claims
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) yesterday directed all pharmaceutical outlets to remove from the shelves a cough syrup for children due to some toxic components that have been detected.
This directive also applies to all healthcare facilities; healthcare workers and wananchi who are in possession of Benylin paediatric 100mls syrup — to immediately quarantine the product and stop distribution, sale, issuing or use of the product.
It contains a high level of diethylene glycol, a contaminant which is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.
The Board’s Chief Executive Dr Fred Siyoi explained in a statement last evening that his office is acting on information regarding the medical product alert and its recall by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of Nigeria.
He also advised the members of the public, or patients who could have experienced adverse reactions following the use of this product in children, to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional immediately.
Laboratory analysis
“This cough syrup manufactured by Johnson & Johnson (Pty), South Africa, is being recalled due to quality concerns arising from an unacceptable high level of diethylene glycol detected through laboratory analysis conducted by NAFDAC,” Dr Siyoi indicated.
According Dr Siyoi, parents who had already purchased the syrup should return to the nearest pharmacists.
He explained that the toxic effects contained in the cough syrup can include abdominal pain; vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.
“In view of the above, the PPB advises all pharmaceutical outlets, Furthermore, members of public are advised to return the product to the nearest healthcare facility, while healthcare facilities are advised to return the products to the respective suppliers,” he said, noting that the alert affects only the impacted BATCH NO 329304 of Benylin pediatric 100mls syrup.
Following receipt of this information, Dr Siyoi also revealed that the PPB has commenced investigations immediately.
“The PPB also initiated rapid response, which includes sampling of batches of Benylin pediatric 100mls syrup that are within shelf life for the purpose of screening of the levels of Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol,” he added.
