Francesca Biagioli After the deaths of dozens of children in India, WHO has issued an alert on three cough syrups contaminated with a highly toxic industrial substance. The products have been immediately recalled and production suspended
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A few days ago, we reported on what happened in India, where dozens of children were hospitalized with severe symptoms and at least 21 of them lost their lives after taking contaminated cough syrups. This dramatic event has rekindled attention on the deficiencies in controls and the safety of medicines intended for the youngest.
Now, given the severity of the situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has also intervened by issuing an alert on the three medicines involved, which have also been ordered to be immediately recalled, emphasizing the significant risks to public health and urging citizens and authorities to exercise maximum caution.
The 3 dangerous cough syrups
The medicines flagged by WHO are three syrups used to relieve cough, cold, and flu symptoms. They are Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife, produced respectively by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma.
@WHO
WHO specifies in the notice that:
The products identified in this alert are considered substandard as they do not meet their quality standards and specifications.
But what makes these syrups so dangerous? Laboratory analyses on some samples detected the presence of diethylene glycol, an industrial solvent highly toxic to the kidneys. This compound should never be part of medicines, much less those intended for children.
Indian authorities immediately ordered the withdrawal of contaminated batches from the market, suspended production, and blocked product authorizations. Fortunately, none of these medicines were exported outside the country, but WHO calls for strengthened vigilance also on unofficial supply chains.
Symptoms and health risks
Diethylene glycol can cause severe and potentially lethal effects. Among the symptoms reported by WHO:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Inability to urinate
- Headache and mental confusion
- Acute kidney damage, which can lead to death
The use of these products, especially in children, can therefore have extremely dangerous consequences.
Recommendations for citizens and healthcare workers
WHO provides specific guidance to protect patients:
- Healthcare workers must report any suspected products or side effects to competent authorities or pharmacovigilance centers
- Families who possess any of the three contaminated syrups must not use them. In case of suspected ingestion, it is essential to immediately contact a doctor or poison control center
- All medicines must be purchased exclusively from authorized suppliers, to avoid exposure to toxic substances
Source: WHO
