The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a recall for Johnson & Johnson’s Benylin Pediatric Syrup due to the presence of an unsafe level of diethylene glycol, as announced on their website. The examination revealed that this substance poses a risk of acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals, making it hazardous for human consumption.
NAFDAC emphasized the dangers associated with diethylene glycol, highlighting potential symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, altered mental state, and even acute kidney injury that could be fatal. The agency stressed the importance of avoiding the use of this product, which is intended for cough relief and allergic conditions in children aged two to 12 years and is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson in Cape Town, South Africa.
Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers were urged to be cautious and vigilant in preventing the circulation of this contaminated product within the supply chain. NAFDAC advised verifying the authenticity and condition of medical products from authorized suppliers while also instructing individuals in possession of the affected syrup to cease its use immediately and contact the nearest NAFDAC office for proper disposal. Any adverse reactions should prompt seeking immediate medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional, as stated by the regulatory agency.
NAFDAC has called upon healthcare providers and individuals to promptly notify any concerns regarding counterfeit or substandard medications to the closest NAFDAC facility.
Likewise, healthcare providers and patients were advised to promptly report any adverse reactions or side effects associated with medication use to the nearest NAFDAC office or via the electronic reporting tools on its official website.
Furthermore, the agency instructed the Marketing Authorization Holder (Johnson & Johnson Company West Africa) to commence the recall of the affected batch, with the notification also being shared on the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) for wider dissemination.
