MCAZ issues warning over contaminated pediatric medicines
Yvonne Mutambwa
The Medicine Control Authority of Zimbabwe issued a statement, alerting the public and Health professionals of the existence of substandard pediatric medicines identified in the World Health Organisation`s region of Africa.
According to the statement, MCAZ was notified by WHO through Medical Product Alert Number 62022 of the circulation of substandard products identified in the Gambia and reported to WHO.
“The four products are Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmaline Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup,” MCAZ said.
The mentioned medical products were manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited (India).
To date, the stated manufacturer has not provided to WHO guarantees on the safety and quality of these products.
“These products are reported to contain unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.
Toxic effects can include abnormal pains, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headaches, altered mental state and acute kidney injury which may lead to death,” MCAZ said in the statement.
However the Authority wishes to inform the members of the public and Health officials that these products are not registered in Zimbabwe so as the manufacturer.
“However through illegal means, these products may find their way into the market. As a precautionary measure, the Authorities will intensify surveillance activities through strict premises inspection and public awareness to ensure that the products will not circulate,” MCAZ said.
The mandate of MCAZ is to protect the public health, ensuring that medicines and medical devices are safe, effective and good quality and will continue to monitor the situation through WHO guidelines.
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