The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a critical alert regarding potentially harmful cough syrup ingredients circulating in Pakistan. This warning highlights the dangers of counterfeit medications and the importance of robust quality control measures.
Fake Cough Syrup Ingredients: A Global Threat
The alert focuses on five contaminated batches of propylene glycol, a common cough syrup ingredient. These batches were falsely labeled as manufactured by Dow Chemical, a reputable chemical company. Testing by Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) revealed alarming levels of ethylene glycol (EG) in the suspect propylene glycol – a toxic industrial solvent. International safety standards permit only trace amounts of EG, with levels exceeding 0.1% deemed unsafe.
This incident is not an isolated case. Contaminated cough syrups linked to high EG and diethylene glycol content have already caused over 300 child deaths globally since late 2022, with cases reported in India and Indonesia. These incidents raise serious concerns about the quality control of medications in some parts of the world.
Fake Cough Syrup Ingredients: A Deliberate Deception
The WHO further emphasizes the deliberate nature of the mislabeling in Pakistan. Similar to the Indonesian case, where fake Dow Thailand labels were found on drums containing EG, it appears deliberate efforts were made to deceive consumers and regulatory bodies. Additionally, several seized batches in Pakistan were labeled with a 2023 manufacturing date, months after the WHO’s global alert urging drugmakers to verify supplier quality.
Fake Cough Syrup Ingredients: A Call to Action
The WHO’s alert serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance in the pharmaceutical industry. Regulatory bodies must implement stricter measures to identify and remove counterfeit medications from circulation. Additionally, manufacturers need to establish robust supplier verification processes to ensure the quality and safety of ingredients used in their products.
Consumers also play a vital role in protecting themselves. Opting for reputable pharmacies and verifying the authenticity of medications before purchase are essential steps in safeguarding health.
