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Key Points

Telangana has raised a critical public health alert about two potentially dangerous cough syrups contaminated with toxic Diethylene Glycol. The Drugs Control Administration has issued an urgent 'stop use' notice for Relife and Respifresh TR syrups manufactured in Gujarat. Citizens are strongly advised to immediately discontinue use and report any possession to the authorities. This warning follows recent child deaths linked to similar contaminated medications in other states.

Key Points: Telangana Alerts Public on Toxic Cough Syrups Relife Respifresh

  • Toxic cough syrups Relife and Respifresh identified as potential health hazards
  • Two specific batches manufactured in Gujarat flagged for contamination
  • Diethylene Glycol found in syrup compositions poses serious health risks
  • Public advised to immediately stop using these medications and report to authorities
2 min read

Telangana issues public alert for two more cough syrups

Telangana Drugs Control issues urgent 'stop use' notice for two dangerous cough syrups potentially contaminated with toxic Diethylene Glycol

"The Drug Control Administration, Telangana, has initiated necessary enforcement measures - Shahnawaz Qasim, Drugs Control Administration Director General"

Hyderabad, Oct 8

Telangana Drugs Control Administration on Wednesday issued 'stop use' (public alert) notice regarding two more cough syrups found adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic substance.

It has cautioned people to immediately stop using Relife and Respifresh TR syrups.

This comes four days after Drugs Control Administration issued 'stop use' notice for Coldrif syrup in view of the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The Drugs Control Administration issued 'stop use' notice for Relife (Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Guaiphenesin, Terbutaline Sulphate and Menthol Syrup); Batch No LSL25160; expiry date 12/2026 and manufactured by Shape Pharma Pvt. Ltd, Gujarat.

The other cough syrup is Respifresh TR (Bromhexine Hydrochloride, Terbutaline Sulphate, Guaiphenesin and Menthol Syrup); Batch No R01GL2523; Expiry Date 12/2026 and manufactured by Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat.

Shahnawaz Qasim, Director General, Drugs Control Administration, strongly advised people to stop use of the two cough syrups, if in possession, and report the same to the nearest Drugs Control Authority without delay.

The public may also report possession of the said products directly to the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, through the toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on all working days.

All Drugs Inspections and Assistant Directors have been instructed to immediately alert retailers, wholesalers and hospitals to freeze any stocks of the said product batches and ensure that the same are not dispensed or sold under any circumstances.

"The Drug Control Administration, Telangana, has initiated necessary enforcement measures and is actively monitoring the situation to prevent further risk to public health," said Shahnawaz Qasim.

The public is urged to exercise utmost caution and refrain from using the aforementioned products to avert any potential health hazards associated with Diethylene Glycol toxicity, he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Why are these pharmaceutical companies playing with people's lives? DEG contamination is not new - we've seen this tragedy before. Strictest action should be taken against the manufacturers.
A
Aman W
Good that they're being proactive with alerts. But why does it take deaths in other states for our authorities to wake up? Regular quality checks should be mandatory for all medicines.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Hyderabad, this worries me deeply. I'm sharing this with all my friends and colleagues. The toll-free number is very helpful - authorities should maintain this service 24/7 during such crises.
V
Vikram M
Both companies are from Gujarat? This is becoming a pattern. Central drug authorities need to conduct surprise inspections across all pharma hubs. Public safety cannot be compromised.
N
Nisha Z
I appreciate the detailed information with batch numbers and expiry dates. This helps people check accurately. Let's all be responsible and report if we find these in local medical shops. 🙏

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