Poisoned Cough Syrups: World Health Body, NAFDAC Issue Public Alert

The news of poisoned cough syrups in circulation, with all its clear health dangers is causing stirs in medical and family circles.

It has also made relevant regulatory bodies to forewarn parents and healthcare industry professionals to be on the alert.

Rumours over the Poisoned Cough Syrups in circulation has made the World Health Organisation (WHO) to issue what it calls a Medical Product Alert.

WHO says the concerns centre on three substandard (contaminated) oral liquid medicines containing active ingredients commonly used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, flu, or cough.

Although identified in India and reported to WHO on 8 October 2025, there are fears that without proper recall, and poisoned cough syrups may find their way to other countries, which receive medicine and drugs supplies from India.

The Eagle reports that last May, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it was in receipt of information regarding substandard drugs from the India authorities, following result of analyzed drug samples picked from sales/distribution point.

NAFDAC not only listed the affected drugs, but affirmed that some of the affected pharmaceutical companies were reported to have subsidiaries, partners and products in Nigeria.

“Administering substandard medicines poses significant risks to patient health and public health.

“These risks include poisoning, treatment failure, drug resistance, and even death. Substandard medicines may contain toxic substances, incorrect ingredients, or incorrect dosages, leading to severe adverse effects”, NAFDAC warned.

“The Agency hereby advice Importers, distributors, retailers and healthcare professionals to exercise caution and vigilance in any transaction involving the above companies to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of substandard products”, it added.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) of India, had on 8 October reported to WHO the presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) in at least three oral liquid medicines.

This followed information identified by WHO on 30 September 2025 of localised clusters of acute illness and child fatalities in India.

CDSCO informed WHO that the contaminated products were reportedly consumed by the affected children.

According to the WHO, “The contaminated oral liquid medicines have been identified to be specific batches of COLDRIF, Respifresh TR and ReLife, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma.

“CDSCO has confirmed that relevant state authorities have ordered an immediate halt to production at implicated manufacturing sites and have suspended product authorizations.

“In addition, a recall of the contaminated products has been initiated by relevant state authorities”.

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WHO said the CDSCO had informed it that none of the contaminated medicines have been exported from India and there is currently no evidence of illegal export.

“Nevertheless, WHO encourages National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) to consider targeted market surveillance, with particular attention to informal and unregulated supply chains where products may circulate undetected.

“NRAs are also advised to carefully evaluate the risks associated with any oral liquid medicines originating from the same manufacturing sites—particularly those produced since December 2024.

WHO continues to collaborate closely with Indian health authorities to monitor the situation, identify the source of the contamination and mitigate any potential public health risks.