Following the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)’s alert to Nigerians on substandard cough syrups circulating in Gambia, the Edo health ministry has advised residents to be vigilant.

In a public health notice by its health commissioner Obehi Akoria, the government said the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a global alert over four medicines (Promethazine oral solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cough Syrup).

“These medicines are being investigated for links with acute kidney injury and over 66 deaths among children in the Gambia. Laboratory analysis of samples of each of the four products confirms that they contain unacceptable quantities of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which are toxic to humans and may cause death,” explained the health commissioner.

He added, “Officers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will provide an update shortly. All pharmaceutical outlets that may have these medicines in stock must dispose of them forthwith, using the appropriate channels. Please be vigilant!”

Mr Akoria warned that the products should not be used or given to toddlers and babies.

Healthcare providers and the public were notified of the death of 66 children in the Gambia following the use of the substandard cough syrups, as reported by WHO in September, suspecting the syrups might have been contaminated.

According to WHO, the cough syrup was made by New Delhi-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals.

NAFDAC said laboratory analysis of samples of the four products confirmed they contain unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants.

“Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state and acute kidney injury, which may lead to death,” said NAFDAC.

It further noted that the medicines’ manufacturer had yet to guarantee the safety and quality of these products to WHO.

(NAN)