RECALLED COUGH MIXTURE: INDUSTRY HAS STRICT PROTOCOLS

Pietermaritzburg pharmacies have taken the necessary measures to ensure they do not stock any of the recalled batches of Benylin Paediatric Syrup.

Speaking to The Witness following the announcement by South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) to recall two batches of Benylin Paediatric Syrup, pharmacists urged consumers to remain calm as the industry follows strict protocols when dealing with any product recall.

Imran Sha, from Ballims Pharmacy, in Church Street, told The Witness that they have not received any of the two batches that have been recalled; however, they are on high alert.

“We are aware of what is happening, and we are keeping an eye on it.

“When our supplier comes to deliver, we will be checking carefully, as we usually do. There are processes that need to be followed,” he said.

Sparkport Pharmacy in Raisethorpe also confirmed that they have not received any of the batches concerned, but are on high alert and are willing to assist anyone with queries regarding the recall.

MedPort Pharmacy also confirmed that they did not receive any of the recalled batches. “We saw the reports all over social media and we also had a number of people and our suppliers reach out to us about this issue.

“We checked our stock and can confirm that we did not receive any stock from the batches that have been recalled,” said Medport.

Njabulo Nsiba, the owner of ElandsMed pharmacy in Elandskop, said they checked stock and confirmed that they did not receive any stock from the affected batches.

He urged people not to panic.

Saphra said the decision to recall the two batches followed reports in Nigeria that a batch of the cough medication had higher-than-normal levels of diethylene glycol.

“Sahpra immediately contacted the South African manufacturer, Kenvue, formerly Johnson and Johnson, for a response. Following engagements with the manufacturer and in the best interest of the public, it was resolved that affected batches would immediately be recalled while an investigation is ongoing,” the local drug watchdog explained.

The affected batch numbers are 329304 and 329303 and have been distributed to several countries including South Africa, Eswatini, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria.

Sahpra CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, said as a national regulatory authority, the recalling of medical products is a crucial measure to address safety concerns or quality issues so that they protect the health of the public.

“Sahpra is recalling these two batches (329304 and 329303) from the market due to reported high levels of diethylene glycol, with the potential to cause serious adverse events,” Semete-Makokotlela explained.