The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians about a cough syrup called ‘Naturcold’ that is suspected of being of poor quality.
NAFDAC issued a warning about a lethal cough syrup and reports six deaths.
The cough syrup is thought to have been manufactured by Fraken Group and is blamed for the deaths of six children under the age of five in the health district of Fundong in Cameroon’s North-West region.
After taking the cough syrup, the children’s renal function was observed to have declined. According to the North-West Regional Public Health Delegate, the cough medicine was purchased from illicit sources and was not permitted for commercialization in Cameroon.
NAFDAC issued a press statement on their website regarding the matter.
NAFDAC ‘s Statement Addressing Killer Cough Syrup
“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. All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.“NAFDAC implores members of the public to desist from purchasing medicinal products from unauthorised 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. 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.”