Benin prohibits the sale of two medicines deemed to be of inferior quality

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned about two medicines that do not meet “quality or specification standards”. These are the cough syrup AMBRONOL and the flu syrup DOK-1 MAX. As a result, Benin has prohibited its marketing on its territory.

In a press release dated 16 January, the Ministry of Health of Benin indicated that it had been informed by “the World Health Organization of the circulation in the European region of two products confirmed to be of inferior quality (contaminated), i.e. not meeting their quality standards or specifications. These products are the cough syrup AMBRONOL and the anti-influenza syrup DOK-1 MAX, all manufactured by the Laboratory MARION BIOTECH PVT. LTD”.

The ministry further warned that “the use of these products, particularly in children, can lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, altered mental status, acute kidney damage or be life-threatening.

Furthermore, according to the Director General of the Beninese Agency for Pharmaceutical Regulation (ABRP), the incriminated products do not have a Marketing Authorisation (MA) in Benin. This is why he appealed to the vigilance of the population to report any presence of these products in our country.

“If you are in possession of one of these products, DO NOT USE IT but notify it by immediately calling the toll-free number 136 or the Benin Pharmaceutical Regulation Agency on 51 20 98 15,” the statement said. The Beninese authorities are counting on “the collaboration of all for an effective fight against substandard or falsified products”.

It should be noted that on 11 January 2023, the WHO warned that these two medicines were of “inferior quality”. The mentioned manufacturer has not provided any guarantees on the safety and quality of these products. Laboratory analysis of samples of both products, carried out by the National Quality Control Laboratories of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, revealed that both products contain unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol (contaminants). While both components are toxic to humans and can be fatal, the organisation notified.