Comments on: Nigeria Shuts Drugmaker After Syrup Kills Infants

By: Michael D. Miller, MD

Michael D. Miller, MD — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:48:10 +0000

Just an historical note - it was the use of this same deadly chemical (diethylene glycol) as the base for an antibiotic “treatment” that led to the US Food Drug and Cosmetic Act in 1938. Before the FD&C, there was no safety requirement for medicines sold in the US. In the so-called Elixer of Sulfanilamide incident, the only law that was broken was mislabeling because an “Elixer” means an alcohol based liquid - and this medicine was actually the deadly diethylene glycol. (see - http://www.fda.gov/oc/history/elixir.html)

By: B. Martin, MD

B. Martin, MD — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:58:59 +0000

If history has taught us anything, it’s that rogue companies will substitute the renal toxin diethylene glycol for the more-expensive glycerin in their products—regardless of the known, lethal consequences. Incidents like this extend back to 1937 (in the US, no less): http://bmartinmd.com/2008/11/diethylene-glycol-reappearsaga.html.

By: Ima Misfit

Ima Misfit — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:49:36 +0000

The product responsible for the deaths of 25 infants, My Pikin, is a brand of paracetamol syrup.

Paracetamol is known in the U.S. as acetaminophen; the active ingredient in OTC drugs like Tylenol and various brands of children’s cough syrup. Acetaminophen products are produced all over the world for companies like Johnson & Johnson.

One such manufacturer of acetaminophen products for J&J is VITA BIOPHARMA PRIVATE LIMITED

VITA BIOPHARMA PRIVATE LIMITED
Daman, Diu and Daman, India
Pharmaceuticals Products - Manufacturer,
Pvt. Ltd. Firm Since 1999

Products:
We would like to introduce ourselves as a Leading Contract Manufacturers of Formulations[Creams,Lotions, Emulsions,Ointments,Syrups], Bulk Drugs, Cosmetics and Herbal Products of various companies. With a WHO & ISO Certification and a group turnover or Rs.350 crores.

We are manufacturing various products for M/S Johnson & Johnson Ltd Child Care products like Baby Cream, Baby Shampoo, Baby Hair Oil, Baby Lotion, Baby Soap and Baby Oil.Skin Care products like Skin Balancing Moisturising Lotion, Clean & Clear Facial Wash, Antiseptic Liquid like Savlon Antiseptic Liquid.

http://pharmaceuticals.indiabizclub.com/profile/865024~vita+biopharma+private+limited~daman_india

By: Ima Misfit

Ima Misfit — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:12:04 +0000

More info on Barewa

BAREWA PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.
Our Products: Pharmaceuticals
Address: 1-5,Olugbo Close,Shasha Rd.,Akowonjo,Lagos
Contact: 023401 4822982,0
Contact Person : MR.KOLA OKUJLOLA - M.D

By: Ima Misfit

Ima Misfit — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:06:18 +0000

Anybody who thinks this couldn’t have happened in the United States, might want to check out the Barewa on-line web-site, where it’s quite easy for anybody to buy pharmaceutical products directly from Barewa.

The contact person is Mr kola okujlola

Link to Barewa on-line purchasing site: http://www.maharashtradirectory.com/viewCompanyDetails.asp?compid=824782