Nigeria's drug regulator has recalled a batch of Johnson & Johnson children's cough syrup after tests showed it contained "an unacceptable high level" of a toxic and potentially fatal substance.
The substance, Diethylene glycol, "was found to cause acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals", Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (Nafdac) said on Wednesday.
It added that human consumption of the Diethylene glycol results in toxic effects, including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.
The substance has been linked to the recent deaths of dozens of children in Cameroon and The Gambia.
Laboratory tests on the recalled Benylin Paediatric syrup also showed that it caused "acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals", the regulator added.
Neither Johnson & Johnson nor Kenvue - which owns the Benylin brand after becoming independent from Johnson & Johnson last year- have commented on the Nafdac's statement.
The syrup was manufactured in South Africa in May 2021 and had an expiry date of April 2024.
The syrup's packaging says it can be used for relieving cough and congestive symptoms and for treating fever and other allergic conditions among children aged between two and 12 years.
Latest Stories
-
Kumasi Cheshire Home decries inadequate equipment; seeks public support
35 mins -
UCL: Niclas Fullkrug hands Dortmund first leg advange over PSG
55 mins -
GPL: Accra Lions beat Hearts of Oak to go third
2 hours -
Seek higher grounds as rains intensify – GMet warns
3 hours -
May Day: Sam Ankrah promises to prioritise welfare and well-being of workers if elected president
3 hours -
Bawumia plans door-to-door campaign for 2024 polls
3 hours -
GAF condemns ‘unprovoked’ fatal shooting of soldier in Kasoa land dispute
3 hours -
OSP’s request for money laundering probe against Cecilia Dapaah baseless – AG advises EOCO
4 hours -
Obofour Raphael releases ‘Asem Yi Di Ka’ EP
4 hours -
‘Operation Clean Your Surroundings’: Popular Kenkey joint and public toilets in Takoradi shut down
4 hours -
GFA boss Kurt Okraku graces Dreams FC’s dinner to celebrate CAF Confederation Cup exploits
5 hours -
We’ve intensified efforts to combat misinformation, hate speech ahead of elections- Akufo-Addo
5 hours -
Sekondi-Takoradi: STMA/Joy News’ ‘Operation Clean Your Surroundings’ taskforce arrest 10 for open defecation
5 hours -
Joy Prime’s Prime Morning celebrates May Day with gallant Officers of Ghana Navy
5 hours -
YAWC Network Ghana chapter holds National summit in Accra
5 hours