WHO issues global alert for 3 Indian cough syrups

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued an alert against the use and distribution of three cough syrups believed to be responsible for the recent death of 21 children in Madhya Pradesh and three in Rajasthan.

The WHO has asked national regulatory and law enforcement authorities worldwide to immediately notify it if these products were detected in their country. The world body also called for an increased surveillance of the unregulated market.

In a statement, the WHO identified the contaminated oral liquid medicines as specific batches of Coldrif, Respifresh TR and ReLife, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Rednex Pharmaceuticals and Shape Pharma.

The world body said it had been collaborating closely with the Indian health authorities to monitor the situation, identify the source of the contamination and mitigate any potential public health risks. The affected products were oral liquid medicines containing active ingredients commonly used to relieve symptoms of common cold, flu or cough, it said.

On October 8, the Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) reported to the WHO the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) in at least three oral liquid medicines.

“The CDSCO informed the WHO that the contaminated products were reportedly consumed by the affected children… It confirmed that relevant state authorities have ordered an immediate halt to production at implicated manufacturing sites and suspended product authorisations. In addition, a recall of the contaminated products has been initiated,” as per the statement.

The WHO said the contaminated products posed significant risks to patients and could cause severe and potentially life-threatening illness. “Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans, especially children, and can prove fatal. 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 statement said.

On October 12, the Tamil Nadu health authorities cancelled the manufacturing licence of Coldrif manufacturer Sresan Pharmaceuticals. The Enforcement Directorate has also searched seven premises linked to the company in Chennai on accusations of money laundering.