Urgent warning as parents told to chuck out dangerous cough syrups – after death of 170 kids
PARENTS have been urged to throw out dangerous cough syrups after the deaths of 170 children.
Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a product alert for four different cough medicines.
The cough medicines are believed to be responsible for the deaths of 70 children in the Gambia and 100 in Indonesia, local health ministries have said.
Other children have also suffered acute kidney issues after taking the medicines.
Both Indonesia and the Gambia have banned the sale of the products.
The products are manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited, which is based in India.
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The names of the syrups and medicines which have been found to be contaminated include Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup.
Medics said there are 'unacceptable amounts' of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in the syrups.
These ingredients are toxic to humans and can prove fatal.
The WHO said: "Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.
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"All batches of these products should be considered unsafe until they can be analyzed by the relevant National Regulatory Authorities.
"The substandard products referenced in this alert are unsafe and their use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death."
While none of these products are available to purchase in the UK, it's possible that you may have been able to buy them in a different country.
Now, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has told Brits to discard the products if they are in possession of them.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: "The safety of the medicines you and your children take is our highest priority.
“The products referred to in the are not authorised for use in the UK and nor are the active ingredients used in any UK authorised products.
“If you have acquired any of these cough syrups (Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup) in The Gambia or through informal routes, do not use them.
"These are substandard products which are unsafe and their use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death. If you are unsure, please check with your pharmacist.
“If you, or someone you know, have used these products, or suffered any side effect after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical attention. We strongly encourage anyone to report any suspected side effects associated with their cough syrup to us via our .”
The products may have been distributed through informal markets, countries or regions.
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So while they aren't on sale in the UK, consumers may have been able to purchase them - however, this is unlikely.
The Sun has contacted Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited.
