Vidya Balan’s cough syrup makes ‘Meri Sulu’ unwell

Vidya Balan’s upcoming movie ‘Meri Sulu’ is likely to fall into trouble due to a cough syrup which is promoted as the cough reliever of the protagonist from the movie through television and print advertisements.

A city-based doctor has taken an objection in a letter sent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner saying the syrup that the celebrity promoting has properties with serious side effects.

FDA officials said that they will check the contents of the syrup and issue notices to concerned officials on the basis of a complaint.

Recently a medical activist wrote to FDA commissioner, citing how the wide advertising campaign promotes self-medication due to which it can cause side effects.

“A drug is prescribed, taking into consideration factors like safety, efficacy, need of that particular molecule, the age of the patient, dosage schedule, drug-drug interactions, history of allergy and other important aspects,” said Dr Tushar Jagtap.

He further added the cough syrup contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride, terpine hydrate, ammonium chloride and sodium citrate all of which have known side effects which are proved in medical literature.

Torque, a Chandigarhbased pharmaceutical company which manufacturers the over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrup was pulled up by FDA Maharashtra in 2015 for promoting a fairness cream which allegedly contained the corticosteroid. FDA had prohibited the marketing of the product in Maharashtra.

“General information provided by the advertisement and the leading actress is misleading and can endanger the lives of many unsuspecting patients. In our country, self-medication is rampant and these kinds of advertisements promote the same,” Dr Jagtap added.

A city-based doctor has taken an objection in a letter sent to FDA saying the syrup that the celebrity is promoting has serious side effects