BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Government, through the Ministry of Health, has sprung to action, in its bid to recall Benylin Paediatric Syrup that might be on the market in Eswatini.
The Ministry is doing this to protect members of the public from possible harm that might be caused by the seemingly dangerous substance. The Ministry calls upon people within the country to be on the look-out for such a product and has stated what needs to be done to avoid possible sickness that might be caused by this product.
The Ministry calls upon Emaswati to discontinue the use of the syrup if they happen to see it. If ingested and experiencing symptoms, members of the public are encouraged to report to the nearest health facility for medical attention. The identified syrup should be returned to the facility that dispensed it, if it is seen. Members of the public should also call the Medicines Regulatory Unit of the Ministry of Health on WhatsApp number 7655 7303.
Government recalls the syrup following that the medical product had been recalled by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), as reported by Times of Eswatini today, which also got the information from South African Television Station, eNCA which is said to have reported on the matter yesterday night.
Today, at about 10am, the Ministry of Health issued a statement, stating that has been alerted of the recall of two batches of Benylin Paediatric Syrup manufactured by the South African manufacturer, Kenvue (formerly Johnson and Johnson). This recall, according to the Ministry in its statement, has been instituted by SAHPRA and some other National Regulatory Authorities in Africa.
The two batches have been found to have high levels of diethylene glycol, a chemical that is toxic. The affected batch numbers are 329304 and 329303, which were manufactured in May 2021 and expire in April 2024. Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headaches, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.
Following engagements with the manufacturer and in the best interest of the public, SAHPRA resolved that affected batches would immediately be recalled while an investigation is ongoing. Benylin Paediatric Syrup, according to the statement, is a clear, bright red syrup having a fruity raspberry odour and taste, packed in amber glass bottles containing 100ml with a plastic measuring cup.
It is indicated for the relief of cough and congestive symptoms and for the treatment of hay fever and other allergic conditions affecting the upper respiratory tract.
The Ministry of Health has been notified by SAHPRA that 144 units of the batch 329303 were distributed to Eswatini on 15 June 2021 to our private market. This product is not available in Government facilities. The Ministry is, therefore, currently communicating with private facilities to ascertain the level of distribution of these units. In addition, the Ministry is also preparing the necessary and appropriate communication for discontinuing the prescribing and use of the affected batch of the product and the necessary recall of this batch that may still be on the market in Eswatini.
The public is, therefore, advised to check the batch numbers of any Benylin syrups for children and if any of the mentioned batch numbers are found to do the following:
1. Discontinue the use of the syrup immediately;
2. If ingested and experiencing symptoms, report to the nearest health facility for medical attention;
3. Return the identified syrup to the facility that dispensed it.
4. Call the Medicines Regulatory Unit of the Ministry of Health on WhatsApp number 7655 7303.
The Ministry has promised to keep the public informed of any developments in this regard.
