By Helen Okechukwu, JKNMedia Reporter
THE NATIONAL Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in a decisive move, has called on the manufacturer of Benylin cough syrup, the Johnson & Johnson, over the health complication posed by their product.
The call was made after tests found diethylene glycol in the product, which can cause health complications when consumed.
In a statement released on the NAFDAC website, it was explained that the presence of diethylene glycol appeared to be high on the syrup product with a link to the acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals.
The agency highlighted the side effects of the toxic substance when consumed as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, altered mental state. Others could be acute kidney injury with fatal consequences.
Furthermore, the product aimed at treating cough, high fever, congestion, and allergies in children within the age bracket of 2–12 years, was said to be manufactured in South Africa.
In the interim, NAFDAC, the agency responsible for overseeing consumable items, identified the presence of diethylene glycol in batch number 329304, dated to have been manufactured in May 2021 and to expire this month of April 2024.
NAFDAC cautions members of the public to be watchful of the items they consume; and warned importers, retailers, and distributors to be considerate in the purchases of what they bring into the country for fellow citizens, especially, children’s consumption, noting that ensuring their quality of health is our collective responsibility.
The commission stressed on the need for Nigerians to purchase drugs from certified and authorized outlets, stressing the need for thorough authenticity checks by everyone.
NAFDAC’s statement reads: “With immediate effect, all distributors are directed to refrain from selling Benyln drugs to members of the public. Also, individuals in possession of the recalled products are advised to cease its sale or use immediately and to surrender remaining stock to the nearest NAFDAC offices.
NAFDAC also issued a cautionary advisory to importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers, urging heightened vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale and use of the contaminated product.
Additionally, any adverse reactions or events observed following the use of the syrup should promptly seek immediate medical attention from qualified healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, the agency has called upon healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicions of substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC officer; adding that adverse events or side effects associated with medicinal products should also be reported through its designated channels, including its E-reporting platforms.
NAFDAC also strongly directed the Marketing Authorization Holder, Johnson & Johnson Company West Africa, to initiate the recall process for the affected product, noting that this information will be shared via the World Health Organization (WHO) Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS), ensuring broader awareness and swift action to safeguard public health.
