JUST IN: NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Ambronol Syrup, DOK-1 Max
The Nigerian public have been cautioned against the use of ‘Ambronol Syrup’ and ‘DOK-1 Max’, saying using them may lead to severe injury or even death.
The National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, gave the warning 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.
“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 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,” NAFDAC warned.
The agency then urged healthcare professionals and consumers 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