Nigerians have received a warning from the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) regarding a cough syrup called ‘Naturcold’. The cough syrup, which is suspected to be of substandard quality, is said to have been produced by Fraken Group and is believed to be responsible for the deaths of six children below the age of five in the health district of Fundong, located in the North-West region of Cameroon. The children were reported to have experienced a decline in kidney function after consuming the cough syrup. The North-West Regional delegate for Public Health explained that the cough syrup was obtained from unauthorized sources and was not authorized for marketing in Cameroon.
NAFDAC has issued a statement on their website regarding this issue, urging caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the substandard (contaminated) syrups. Although the product is not in NAFDAC's database, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution. NAFDAC stressed that all medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers, and the products' authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
NAFDAC has also implored members of the public to refrain from purchasing medicinal products from unauthorised sources, such as roadside vendors and street hawkers, as fake drugs are often smuggled into the country from neighboring countries and distributed through such inappropriate channels. Those in possession of the above-mentioned product are advised to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. If anyone has used these products or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, NAFDAC advises seeking immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.