By lauryne Akoth
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has recalled Benylin cough syrup for children over a toxic substance called Diethylene Glycol.
According to a statement issued by the board, laboratory tests conducted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) revealed unusual amounts of the substance in the syrup.
” The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) wishes to inform the public that it has received information regarding a medical product alert and recall of Benylin pediatric 100mls cough syrup Batch No 329304, by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of Nigeria,” read the statement in part.
According to PPB, the toxic contaminant (Diethylene Glycol) has fatal effects when consumed including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.
PPB has commenced investigations into the batch number of the Benilyn Pediatric 100ml cough syrup produced by South African Company Johnson &Johnson.
Samples within shelves in Kenya have been sent for screening to detect the levels of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has affirmed that it will take action based on the findings of the lab report.
The board has advised all pharmaceutical outlets and healthcare workers to cease the distribution of the drug and urged members of the public in possession of the drug to return to the nearest healthcare facility.
“In view of the above, the PPB advises all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare workers, and members of the public to immediately quarantine the product and STOP distribution, sale, issuing or use of the product,” read the statement in part.
Healthcare facilities were also advised to return the products to the respective suppliers. ” It is IMPORTANT TO NOTE that this alert affects ONLY the impacted BATCH NO 329304 of Benylin pediatric 100mls syrup,” confirmed the statement.
Members of the public and patients who experienced adverse reactions following the use of the drug were urged to visit the nearest healthcare facility for immediate medical attention.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board assured the public of their commitment to ensure Medicine supplied in the Kenyan market meets the required safety and quality standards.