Health ministry warns of contaminated cough syrups linked to child deaths

The Ministry of Health has issued a public advisory following an international alert about contaminated cough syrups linked to multiple child fatalities.

According to the Ministry’s Chemistry Food and Drugs Division, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic substance, was found in at least three oral liquid medicines manufactured in India. The affected products are Coldrif by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR by Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife by Shape Pharma.

These medicines are typically used to treat symptoms of the common cold, flu, or cough. However, health authorities warn that DEG is poisonous to humans and can cause serious and potentially fatal illness. Symptoms of poisoning may include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, confusion, and kidney failure.

The Ministry confirmed that these products are not currently listed in Trinidad and Tobago’s national database but said the alert is being issued out of an abundance of caution.

Members of the public are advised to immediately stop using any of the affected products, consult a doctor if they have used them or experienced side effects, and return the items to the point of purchase.