The World Health Organization (WHO) recently raised alarms after discovering a string of contaminated medicinal syrups and suspensions originating from Pharmix Laboratories in Pakistan. These tainted products, containing active ingredients to treat diverse health conditions, have been found in multiple countries across the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and the Western Pacific regions.
Ethylene Glycol Contamination
The primary contaminant identified in these medications is ethylene glycol, present in unacceptable levels, as stated by the WHO. This troubling discovery echoes previous alerts issued by the WHO concerning similarly contaminated medicines traced back to India and Indonesia. Tragically, these prior incidents were linked to the unfortunate deaths of approximately 300 children worldwide.
The initial detection of contamination occurred during a routine examination conducted by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority in November, notably in the Alergo syrup. Subsequent investigations confirmed this contamination, prompting swift action from health authorities.
Regulatory Measures and Company Response
Further inspections at Pharmix Laboratories by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan unveiled additional tainted products, prompting an immediate halt in the manufacturing of all oral liquid medicines by the company. A recall alert was swiftly issued in November for affected batches of Alergo syrup, Emidone suspension, Mucorid syrup, Ulcofin suspension, and Zincell syrup.
Despite no reported adverse events related to these Pakistan-made syrups, the WHO urges heightened vigilance and extensive testing of products manufactured by Pharmix Laboratories between December 2021 and December 2022. The affected products, intended to address allergies, coughs, and various health concerns, have contamination levels ranging from 0.62 percent to 0.82 percent—significantly surpassing the acceptable limit of 0.10 percent.
Notably, Alergo syrup has been found beyond Pakistan, detected in countries like Belize, Fiji, and Laos. However, swift regulatory actions have been undertaken in these nations to contain the spread of the tainted products.
Global Impact
Pharmix Laboratories, the implicated manufacturer, has yet to provide a comment on this distressing development. Meanwhile, global health authorities are intensifying efforts to prevent any potential harm caused by these contaminated medicinal products, emphasizing the critical importance of stringent quality control measures and robust regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical industry.
The WHO’s urgent alert serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of medicinal products to safeguard public health worldwide. Collaborative efforts among nations and stringent adherence to safety protocols are essential in preventing further risks posed by contaminated pharmaceuticals.
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