Health Ministry Recalls Anti-Allergy Syrup

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health and Wellness issued a mandatory recall for Alergo Anti-Allergy Syrup, which is produced by Pharmix Laboratories (Private) Limited. The contaminated medication was identified in the Maldives and has also been distributed in Laos and Belize. Alergo contains an antihistamine that blocks the effects of histamine in the body. Alergo is deemed toxic, especially to children, and may result in fatal outcomes when consumed. The Ministry says that it is actively working to remove the product from the market, urging individuals with the syrup to cease its use and return it to the nearest pharmacy or clinic. Chief Drug Inspector Doctor Chrystal Samouge told reporters that two batches of the medication were imported, one in 2022 and another in May 2023.

Chrystal Samouge

Dr. Chrystal Samouge, Chief Drug Inspector, Ministry of Health and Wellness

“This is non-manufacturing facility, the lab that it came out of is Pharmix Laboratories, PVT limited, that’s a laboratory in Pakistan. The contamination, it would have to be based on the manufacturing practices in that lab. Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, these substances are actually used as solvents. However, it’s not recommended for use in the pharmaceutical industry anymore because there are actually safer alternatives. So for example, there is one I can think of is glycerin, which is a safer solvent that can be used. That investigation into that manufacturing plant will have to be done by the regulatory authority of that country which is going to be the drug regulatory authority of Pakistan. And it may mean, for example, that they may revoke their GMP certificate based on that investigation that is carried out by them.”