Urgent Health Alert: Haryana Flags More Contaminated Cough Syrups

In a critical development concerning public health and drug safety, Haryana's health department has issued an urgent and far-reaching alert regarding two more cough syrup brands, T-Kold and Linctus AB. This stern warning comes after stringent laboratory analyses revealed the presence of highly toxic contaminants – diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol – substances known to be extremely harmful, even fatal, if ingested.

The flagged products, T-Kold Cough Syrup manufactured by Digital Vision and Linctus AB manufactured by ABPL, have been declared "not of standard quality" following tests conducted by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).

This declaration has triggered a swift and decisive response from authorities, leading to a pan-India directive to immediately halt the sale, distribution, and use of these two syrup brands.

This latest alert is part of an intensified crackdown by the state's drug control administration, which has been actively pursuing manufacturers of substandard pharmaceutical products.

The samples of T-Kold and Linctus AB were sent for testing by the state drug controller general, whose proactive measures aim to prevent any potential health crises stemming from contaminated medicines. Drug controllers across all districts have now been instructed to not only enforce the ban on these specific brands but also to expand their surveillance.

They are tasked with collecting and testing samples from other manufacturers producing similar cough and cold formulations to ensure comprehensive safety across the market.

The gravity of the situation is underscored by previous incidents in Haryana. The state has already taken severe action against other firms, including sealing a manufacturing unit in Pinjore and another in Sonipat in the past year, linked to similar contamination issues.

These earlier cases involved companies like Maiden Pharmaceuticals, which faced global scrutiny after its cough syrups were implicated in child deaths overseas, and firms like QP Pharmachem and Trillium Pharma in Sonipat, whose products were also found to contain dangerous levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

The presence of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in medicinal products is a grave concern.

These industrial solvents, often used as cheaper alternatives in pharmaceutical manufacturing, can cause acute kidney failure, neurological damage, and death. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously issued global alerts regarding such contaminations, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory oversight and quality control in drug production.

Haryana’s unwavering commitment to public health is evident in these continuous efforts.

The authorities are urging citizens to exercise extreme caution and to immediately discontinue the use of T-Kold and Linctus AB cough syrups if they possess them. Consumers are advised to consult their healthcare providers for alternative treatments and to report any adverse reactions or suspicious products to their local drug control authorities.

This ongoing vigilance serves as a critical reminder of the importance of pharmaceutical integrity and the tireless work required to protect the well-being of the populace.