New Delhi: After the death of 66 children in the West African nation of The Gambia, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning for four “contaminated” Indian-made cough and cold syrups, which are mainly prescribed for pediatric use. “WHO today issued a medical product alert for four contaminated medicines identified in The Gambia that are potentially linked to acute kidney injuries and 66 deaths among children. The loss of these young lives is heartbreaking for their families,” WHO quoted its Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as saying. said in a series of tweets.Also Read – Test for TB if cough persists: Center issues revised clinical guidance for Covid patients
“WHO today issued a medical product alert for the four identified contaminated drugs #Gambia which is potentially associated with acute kidney injury and 66 deaths in children. The loss of these young lives is beyond heartbreaking for their families”-@DrTedros
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) October 5, 2022
Indian made cough syrup which is banned by who
In a statement, the WHO mentioned that all the four ‘contaminated’ drugs are manufactured by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The four cough and cold syrups banned by WHO are:-
- Promethazine Oral Solution
- Cofexmaline Baby Cough Syrup
- Macoff Baby Cough Syrup
- Magrip N Cold Syrup
“Laboratory analysis of samples from each of the four products confirmed that they contained unacceptable levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants,” the WHO said in a medical product alert.
What are the risks?
The WHO said the syrup contains diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which are toxic and can be fatal. These components can cause:
- Stomach ache
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- headache
- Severe renal injury
Who advises the public?
“Please do not use them. It is important to detect and remove these substandard products from circulation to avoid harm to patients,” WHO said in a statement. Additionally, it urges the public to seek immediate medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider if they or they know someone has used these items or experienced any negative side effects.
