Edo Government Warns Against Use of Four Cough Syrups

The Edo State Government has cautioned the public against the sale and use of four medicines, saying that the drugs are being investigated by the World Health Organisation for links with acute kidney injury and over 66 deaths among children in the Gambia.

The medicines are Magrip N Cough Syrup, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup, and Promethazine Oral Solution.

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, directed any pharmacies that might have the medicines in stock to dispose of them immediately by following the proper procedures in a statement issued on Monday.

The statement partly read: “The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert/warning for four (4) medicines: Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup, and Magrip N Cough Syrup.

“The possible links between these medicines and over 66 pediatric deaths in the Gambia as well as acute kidney damage are being investigated.

“Laboratory tests of samples from each of the four products show that they contain ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in unacceptable amounts, both of which are harmful to humans and can be deadly.”

She also said, “An update will be provided soon by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“Any pharmacy that might have these medicines in stock should get rid of them immediately by following the right procedures.

The commissioner said, “Please be careful! Don’t use any of these medicines. Cough or cold syrups should not be given to babies or toddlers.”