The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has warned Nigerians about the circulation of a killer cough syrup, NATURCOLD.
NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, in Abuja on Wednesday, revealed that the cough syrup had already caused the death of six children in Cameroon.
She said the cough syrup was not in NAFDAC’s database, and advised importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain.
Prof. Adeyeye called on importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and consumption of the substandard syrup.
According to her, “All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
“NAFDAC implores members of the public to desist from buying medicinal products from unauthorised sources such as roadside vendors and street hawkers.”
Prof. Adeyeye said the fake drugs were mostly smuggled into the country from neighbouring countries and distributed through inappropriate channels.
She enjoined anyone in possession of NATURCOLD to discontinue its sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“If you know anyone who has used this product, or suffered any adverse reaction after use, such person is advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional,’’ she advised.
The NAFDAC DG also advised healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicious sales and use of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office.
She explained that Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health had already issued an alert regarding the suspected substandard cough syrup.
Prof. Adeyeye said the death of the six victims as a result of the cough syrup was recorded at a health facility in the district of Fundong, North-West region of Cameroon.
She quoted the delegate for Public Health in the region as saying that children who took the syrup showed a decrease in kidney function.
The syrup was not authorised for marketing in Cameroon and was bought from unauthorised sources, the delegate also said.
Adeyeye encouraged healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse side effects of medicinal products to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through e-reporting.
NAFDAC’s e-reporting platforms are www.nafdac.gov.ng and pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
(NAN)
