Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public health alert following a World Health Organization (WHO) warning about three contaminated oral liquid medicines identified in India.
According to the alert, the affected products — COLDRIF, Respifresh TR, and ReLife — were found to contain Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical substance linked to cases of acute illness and several child fatalities in India. The medicines, produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma, are commonly used to treat symptoms of cold, flu, and cough.
The contamination was uncovered after India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) confirmed the presence of DEG in the products and traced them to clusters of severe poisoning cases among children. Indian authorities have since ordered an immediate shutdown of the implicated manufacturing plants, suspended their licenses, and launched a nationwide recall of the contaminated medicines.
NAFDAC, in its advisory, cautioned Nigerians against the purchase or use of any of the listed products should they appear in the local market. “Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans when ingested and can be fatal,” the agency warned.
The regulatory body urged healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or substandard medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, via phone at 0800-162-3322, or by email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health, assuring that surveillance teams are on alert to prevent the entry and distribution of the toxic medicines within Nigeria.
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