Urgent Health Advisory: Substandard Medicines Alert – WHO N°8/2023
Medical Product Alert N°8/2023 Substandard (contaminated) syrup and suspension medicines have been identified in multiple WHO regions, including the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific. Five products from PHARMIX LABORATORIES (PVT.) LTD, including ALERGO Syrup and ULCOFIN Suspension, have been found with dangerous levels of ethylene glycol, posing severe health risks like abdominal pain, altered mental state, and even fatal outcomes if consumed. As a precaution, WHO advises against using these products and urges heightened vigilance for oral liquid medicines produced by PHARMIX between Dec 2021 and Dec 2022.
Action Steps: Refrain from using the mentioned medicines, seek immediate medical advice if used, and report any adverse effects. Regulatory bodies are encouraged to increase surveillance, while manufacturers are urged to test for contaminants before production. For full product details and further guidance, refer to WHO’s Alert No. 8/2023 and prior Alerts regarding contaminated liquid medicines. Stay informed, stay safe!