NAFDAC Issues Urgent Warning on Contaminated Oral Syrup and Suspension Medicines

In a recent alert, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of five oral liquid dosage forms detected in multiple countries, flagging them for contamination.

The affected products—ALERGO Syrup, EMIDONE Suspension, MUCORID Syrup, ULCOFIN Suspension, and ZINCELL Syrup—have been traced back to their manufacturer, PHARMIX LABORATORIES (PVT.) LTD in Pakistan.

The alarm was sounded after samples of ALERGO syrup from various batches showed alarming levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol during routine screening. These substances, found to be in quantities exceeding safety limits, pose severe health risks. Laboratory tests confirmed their presence at levels ranging from 0.62% to 0.82% w/w, far above the accepted limit of 0.10% w/w.

Following this revelation, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) instructed PHARMIX LABORATORIES to immediately cease the production of all oral liquid dosage medicines and initiate a recall of the contaminated products.

Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are highly toxic compounds that, when consumed, can result in critical health complications and even fatalities. Symptoms of exposure include abdominal pain, vomiting, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury.

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NAFDAC has issued a stern warning, cautioning against the use of these substandard products, which might have circulated through formal and informal markets, including in Nigeria. The agency urges consumers and healthcare providers to exercise extreme caution, avoiding the importation, distribution, sale, and usage of these potentially hazardous cough syrups.

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Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, NAFDAC insists that all medical products must be sourced from authorized and licensed suppliers. Individuals in possession of the mentioned products are strongly advised to surrender them to the nearest NAFDAC office and seek immediate medical attention if they have used these products or experienced adverse reactions.

The agency calls upon the public to report any suspicions or adverse reactions related to these products, ensuring vigilance and safety in the face of this critical health concern.