The Health Ministry issued an urgent advisory yesterday to pharmacies, importers and wholesalers of medicine and members of the public that the anti-allergy syrup known as Alergo Cetirizine has been found to be contaminated and should not be consumed.
According to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, the contaminated medication was identified in the Maldives and has also been distributed in Laos and Belize. The active ingredient of Alergo Cetirizine is Cetrizine Di-HCI which is an antihistamine. Antihistamine medicines block the effects of a substance called histamine in the body which may cause harmful effects to users.
The Fiji Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Services (FPBS) cannot confirm at this stage on the pharmaceutical companies that have imported the medicinal product into Fiji, and advise members of the public to be vigilant on this matter.
The medicinal product come in 120ml bottles and each 5ml of syrup contains 5mg of antihistamine.
The Alergo Cetirizine syrup is considered to be toxic to humans when consumed and prove fatal especially in children.
Toxic effects can include;
-
Abdominal pain;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhoea;
- Inability to pass urine;
- Headache;
- Altered mental state; and
- Acute kidney injury which may lead to death.
If you have used this medication and show signs of these symptoms, please seek medical advice and report your use of the medicine to the attending medical officer.
Advise to Pharmacists:
The Ministry of Health & Medical Services wishes to advise pharmacists around the country NOT to dispense, distribute or sell this product and to immediately notify Medicines Regulatory Authority (MRA) if the product is in your possession.
Advise to Wholesalers & Retailers:
The Ministry of Health & Medical Services requests wholesalers and retailers to increase surveillance and monitor within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by these contaminated products.
Advise to Healthcare Professionals:
The Ministry of Health & Medical Services wishes to advise healthcare professionals to report any suspicious cases or symptoms linked to the consumption of this contaminated medication.
For more information please contact: Ilisabeta Pesamino, Chief Pharmacist, Fiji Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Services on 892 1665 or email: FijiMRA@health.gov.fj
