By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned the Nigerian public against using ‘Ambronol Syrup’ and ‘DOK-1 Max.
The warning is contained in a notification titled “Public Alert No. 02/2023 – Alert on Substandard (contaminated) AMBRONOL syrup and DOK-1 Max syrup” posted on the agency’s website on Sunday.
According to NAFDAC, the use of the drugs could lead to serious injury or death.
“Laboratory analysis of samples of both products, undertaken by national quality control laboratories of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan found both products contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and /or 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, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.
“These substandard products are therefore unsafe and their use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death,” the warning reads.
Although the products are not in the NAFDAC database, the agency warned importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the substandard (contaminated) syrups.
“Members of the public in possession of the above-listed products are advised to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“If you have these substandard products, please DO NOT use them. If you, or someone you know, have used these products or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC PRASCOR (20543 TOLL-FREE from all networks), via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng or via the NAFDAC ADR e-Reporting platform available at www.nafdac.gov.ng.”
