NAFDAC warns Nigerians against use of killer cough syrup

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday warned Nigerians against the use of NATURCOLD which it described as a killer cough syrup.

The management of NAFDAC notified the public that the Ministry of Public Health in Cameroon has issued an alert regarding the suspected substandard cough syrup.

NAFDAC said that the suspected sub-standard product which is said to be manufactured by Fraken Group is believed to have caused the deaths of six children under the age of five at a health facility in the health district of Fundong in the North-West region of Cameroon.

According to the North-West Regional of Cameroon delegate for Public Health, the children showed a decrease in kidney function after consuming the suspected sub-standard cough syrup.

It further disclosed that the product is not authorized for marketing in Cameroon and was purchased from unauthorized sources.

“Although, the product is not in NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the substandard (contaminated) syrups,” NAFDAC said.

It also stated that all medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers and that the products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

NAFDAC thereafter implored members of the public to desist from purchasing medicinal products from unauthorized sources such as roadside vendors and street hawkers as fake drugs are mostly smuggled into the country from neighbouring countries and distributed through such inappropriate channels.

“Anyone in possession of the above-mentioned product is advised to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office,” NAFDAC said.

“If you, or someone you know, have used these products, or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.”