FOLLOWING reports of a paediatric cough syrup which has been identified to be the cause of deaths of some children in Cameroon, the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has given out caution.
The Medicines Regulatory body says ,though the cough syrup is not registered for use in Zambia, it is suspected that it was illegally imported into Cameroon, their by giving warning of the same for Zambia.
ZAMRA Director General Makomani Siyanga said ZAMRA has since intensified surveillance in the country to ensure that the substandard syrup does not make way into the country.
“The Republic of Cameroon through the Ministry of Public Health has published a press statement related to a product called NATURCOLD SYRUP following deaths of children suspected to be linked to the consumption of the product. Naturcold Syrup, which is labelled to contain Paracetamol, Phenylephrine hydrochloride and Chlorpheniramine maleate is not registered in Cameroon and is reported to have been imported into that country through illicit trafficking of medicines,” he said.
He said even though Naturcold Syrup is not authorised or registered for use in Zambia, ZAMRA wishes to caution healthcare professionals and the general public about the product due to the nature of its distribution through illegal markets.
Mr Siyanga said out of an abundance of precaution, the Authority urges healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical outlets, parents and the general public to be vigilant for this product and only access medicines from authorised entities.
“ZAMRA has intensified countrywide surveillance for this product through public notification and inspection of pharmaceutical outlets and health facilities In the unlikely event that you are in possession of the above-mentioned product, please return it to your healthcare provider or supplier who should in turn notify ZAMRA,” he said.
Mr Siyanga further cautioned that If you suffer any adverse drug reaction/event having used this product, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice and report the incident to the National Pharmacovigilance Unit at ZAMRA.
