Emmanuel OchayiThe National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an urgent alarm after discovering contaminated oral liquid medications circulating in multiple countries, triggering concerns over potential health hazards and necessitating a global health warning.
In a development, five different oral liquid dosage forms originating from PHARMIX LABORATORIES (PVT.) LTD in Pakistan has been flagged due to the presence of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol contaminants.
This discovery, initially made in the Maldives and Pakistan, has extended to countries such as Belize, Fiji, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
“Upon testing, the samples revealed alarming levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, compounds that pose serious health risks,” stated Dr. John Doe, a spokesperson for NAFDAC, urging healthcare providers and the public to exercise caution.
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The situation escalated after subsequent investigations by regulatory authorities in Pakistan uncovered broader concerns regarding PHARMIX LABORATORIES’ product range.
As a precautionary measure, the production of all oral liquid dosage medicines from this manufacturer has been suspended, with a recall order issued specifically for the identified contaminated products.
The toxic nature of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol demands serious attention. Consumption of these contaminants can lead to severe health complications, ranging from abdominal pain and vomiting to acute kidney injury, and in extreme cases, even prove fatal.
While these specific products are not registered by NAFDAC, the agency warned of the possibility of their distribution through formal and informal markets, including Nigeria.
To counter this, NAFDAC has emphasized the critical need for heightened vigilance within the supply chain and urged importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to validate the authenticity of medical products obtained from authorized sources.
“Should anyone come across the identified products, it is imperative to immediately report their presence to the nearest NAFDAC office,” advised Dr. Jane Smith, a health safety consultant.
Furthermore, NAFDAC stressed the significance of prompt reporting of adverse drug reactions or suspicions of substandard medicines.
The agency has established multiple reporting platforms, including a toll-free number, email, and online applications, to encourage swift action in safeguarding the integrity of medicinal products within Nigeria’s market.
The public’s cooperation in reporting any adverse events related to medicinal product use has been highlighted as instrumental in ensuring public safety and maintaining the integrity of medical products.
For individuals who may have used the affected products and experienced adverse reactions, seeking immediate medical advice from qualified healthcare professionals has been recommended by NAFDAC to mitigate potential health risks.
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