Global medical alert on four substandard cough syrups circulating in Gambia

• Pursuant to Sections 17(a), (j), (l), (m), (n), (t), (x), 18(1)(b), 131, and 133 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018

On October 11, 2022, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in fulfilment of its mandate, and exercise of its powers, issued a warning to importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to refrain from the importation, distribution, sale and use of four cough syrups made by Maiden Pharmaceuticals and manufactured in India. NAFDAC determined (as other health authorities have) that the products do not meet applicable standards, are not approved by it for use in Nigeria, and may cause injury.  The specific products include Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup, and Magrip N Cold Syrup.

NAFDAC’s warning is consistent with a global medical product alert issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, which linked the death of sixty-six children in The Gambia to the said cough syrups.

Reports indicate that the medications were exclusively delivered to The Gambia. However, the existence of informal and uncontrolled marketplaces, as well as mutual regional trade liberalisation policies, including under Treaty obligations make it conceivable, and certainly not improbable that exposure in Nigeria could occur.

In strengthening, and further propagating the alert and warning by NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) hereby and now issues this Advisory, and in particular, advising any relevant stakeholder to comply strictly with NAFDAC protocols identified in NAFDAC’s release or Regulations and Guidelines. The Commission will work with competent authorities to forestall possible entry or sale of the products in the Nigerian market.

Where citizens feel the need or find contacting the FCCPC preferable or easier, please contact us through our usual channels, particularly, contact@fccpc.gov.ng for onward transmission to NAFDAC.