WHO Issues Global Alert Over Contaminated Oral Liquid Medicines Manufactured in India
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a medical product alert for three liquid medicines—Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife—identified in India as contaminated. These products, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma, were found to contain diethylene glycol, which is toxic and potentially fatal to humans. The CDSCO has informed WHO that these batches have not been exported from India. Regulatory authorities have been advised to increase market surveillance to prevent these substandard products from reaching consumers through informal or unregulated supply chains, as they pose significant risks to public health.
Key Points
- Diethylene glycol is a toxic contaminant found in oral liquid medicines that can cause life-threatening illness.
- The CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) is the Indian regulatory body monitoring the situation.
- Substandard products failed to meet quality standards and specifications for active ingredients used for common colds.
- WHO advised regulatory authorities to evaluate risks associated with oral liquid medicines from the same manufacturing sites.
Exam Facts
- Contaminated medicines: Coldrif, Respifresh TR, ReLife
- Toxic substance: Diethylene glycol
- Regulatory body: CDSCO
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