Healthcare agencies in Nigeria and Kenya have swiftly removed a batch of Benylin paediatric cough syrup from their shelves following alarming findings. The medicine, reportedly manufactured in South Africa, was found to contain a potentially lethal poisonous chemical—diethylene glycol.
Diethylene glycol, detected at a high concentration in the cough syrup during testing, poses serious health risks, particularly to children. Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) revealed that laboratory analysis of the product showed an alarming level of diethylene glycol, linked to acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals.
The implications of this discovery are grave. Diethylene glycol has been connected to the deaths of numerous children in countries like Cameroon, Gambia, and Uzbekistan since 2022, marking one of the most severe global epidemics of oral medicine poisoning. Nigerian health authorities emphasized that ingestion of the chemical can lead to symptoms ranging from abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea to headaches and acute kidney injury, ultimately resulting in death.
The affected medicine, used to alleviate cough, congestion symptoms, and allergic reactions in children aged two to twelve, poses a significant risk to public health. The swift response by Nigerian and Kenyan authorities underscores the urgency of addressing this critical issue and protecting vulnerable populations.
In response to the situation, Kenvue, the owner of Benylin, has initiated its own assessment and testing procedures. A spokesperson for Kenvue stated to News24 that they are actively engaging with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control in Nigeria to gain a deeper understanding of the situation. This includes verifying the authenticity of the sampled product, scrutinizing the testing methodology used, and reviewing the results reported by the agency.
The discovery of diethylene glycol in Benylin cough syrup highlights the importance of stringent quality control measures in pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution. It also underscores the critical role of regulatory agencies in safeguarding public health by promptly identifying and addressing potential hazards associated with medical products.
As investigations into this matter continue, consumers are urged to exercise caution and refrain from using the affected batch of Benylin cough syrup. Healthcare providers are advised to remain vigilant and report any adverse effects associated with the consumption of this product.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks posed by substandard and counterfeit pharmaceutical products. It underscores the need for enhanced regulatory oversight and international collaboration to combat the proliferation of dangerous medicines and ensure the safety and well-being of communities worldwide.
Efforts to address this crisis must be comprehensive and multifaceted, involving cooperation between governments, regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare professionals, and consumers. By working together, we can mitigate the threat posed by harmful substances in medicinal products and uphold the fundamental right to safe and effective healthcare for all.
