Press Releases
Contaminated Syrup and Liquid-based Medicines Detected Overseas Not Registered Nor Distributed in Singapore
Audiences
Consumer
Healthcare professional
Industry member
Product type
Therapeutic Products
22 October 2022
This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is aware of overseas reports of kidney injury or deaths in children that are associated with the consumption of syrup and liquid-based medicines. These incidents were suspected to be caused by the contamination of the medicines with ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, which are toxic chemicals.
2 HSA would like to inform the public that the affected medicines comprising cough, cold, flu and fever medicines (Annex A of pdf version) are not registered in Singapore. Based on our surveillance, these medicines have not been detected locally so far. We have also not received any serious adverse events reports of acute kidney injury or deaths in children related to the consumption of contaminated syrup and liquid-based medicines from our healthcare professionals. As such, HSA has not stopped the sale or supply of syrup or liquid-based medicines in Singapore.
HSA’s Regulation of Medicines
3 All syrup and liquid-based medicines are required to meet the stipulated international standards of quality, safety and efficacy before they are approved by HSA for sale in Singapore. HSA assesses the clinical studies data, manufacturing and quality control processes, and conducts checks to ensure that manufacturers conform to international Good Manufacturing Practice standards.
4 After these medicines are allowed for sale in Singapore, HSA assures the safety of the products through the following:
Manufacturers are required to test all batches of these medicines including for levels of contaminants before selling them in Singapore;
HSA regularly inspects local licensed manufacturers, importers and distributors to ensure compliance with the required standards; and
HSA monitors adverse events and conducts risk-based product testing, including for contaminants in medicines.
Public Advisory
5 Although the contaminated medicines on Annex A are not registered in Singapore, some members of the public may have obtained them from overseas or unfamiliar sources. In such instances, they should monitor their health and consult a doctor if they feel unwell. The signs and symptoms of acute kidney injury include:
Decreased urine output
Swelling in legs, ankles and around the eyes due to fluid retention
Fatigue or tiredness
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Confusion
6 Members of the public are strongly advised to exercise caution when buying health products online or from unfamiliar overseas sources, as there is no knowing where and how these products were made and whether they have been contaminated with harmful ingredients. If buying online, members of the public are encouraged to buy them from reputable retailers’ websites or those with an established retail presence in Singapore.
7 HSA will continue to monitor the situation closely and will also step up our surveillance checks to ensure that medicines available locally continue to be safe for use. Should there be any safety concerns detected locally, HSA will alert members of the public soonest possible and take the necessary actions such as recalling the affected medicines or stopping the sale or supply of such medicines.
HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
22 OCTOBER 2022