Toxic Cough Syrups Banned in Telangana Amid Health Scare
Telangana authorities issue urgent alert to halt use of contaminated syrups.
The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana has issued an urgent "Public Alert - Stop Use Notice" against two cough syrups, 'Relife' (Batch No.: LSL25160) and 'Respifresh TR' (Batch No.: R01GL2523), after they were found to be contaminated with a highly toxic substance. The alert follows laboratory reports from the Drug Testing Laboratory of the Madhya Pradesh government in Bhopal, which confirmed the presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a dangerous chemical, in both syrups.
The DCA has urged the public to immediately cease using these cough syrups and to report any possession of the affected batches to the nearest Drugs Control Authority without delay. Both syrups were manufactured by pharmaceutical companies based in Gujarat, though specific details about the manufacturers were not disclosed in the official release.
This marks the second such alert in Telangana within days. On October 4, the DCA issued a similar warning against 'Coldrif' cough syrup, linked to the tragic deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The back-to-back alerts highlight growing concerns over the safety of certain pharmaceutical products and their potential risks to public health.
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Diethylene Glycol is a toxic industrial solvent that can cause severe health complications, including kidney and liver damage, and has been implicated in past incidents of mass poisoning linked to contaminated medications. The DCA’s swift action aims to prevent any potential harm to consumers and underscores the importance of rigorous quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Authorities are intensifying efforts to trace the distribution of the contaminated batches and ensure they are removed from circulation. The public is advised to check the batch numbers of any cough syrups in their possession and consult healthcare professionals if they have consumed the affected products. The DCA has also called for increased vigilance among pharmacies and healthcare providers to prevent the sale or distribution of these adulterated syrups.
As investigations continue, the Telangana government is collaborating with other state authorities to address the issue and prevent further risks to public safety. Consumers are urged to remain cautious and report any suspicious medications to the authorities immediately.
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