India-made cough syrup found contaminated in Western Pacific: WHO

Contaminated cough syrup made by an Indian firm has been found in the Marshall Islands and Micronesia, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.

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"Samples of the Guaifenesin syrup TG syrup from the Marshall Islands were analysed by quality control laboratories of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia. The analysis found that the product contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants," the WHO said in an alert.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant used to relieve chest congestion and the symptoms of cough.

The manufacturer of the affected product is QP PHARMACHEM LTD, Punjab whereas its marketer is Trillium Pharma, Haryana.

"To date, neither the stated manufacturer nor the marketer has provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products," the world health body said.

"The product referenced in this Alert may have marketing authorisations in other countries in the Western Pacific region. It may have also been distributed, through informal markets, to other countries or regions," WHO further said.

Risks

According to WHO, Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.

The substandard product referenced in this Alert is unsafe and its use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death.

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.

The WHO has issued three similar warnings about contaminated cough syrups for children.

In October last year, the WHO linked the death of over 66 Gambian children to cold and cough formulations made by Sonepat based Maidan Pharma.

In December, Uzbekistan reported 18 child deaths allegedly from consuming a cough syrup made by Noida based Marion Biotech.