At least 14 children in Chhindwara district of India’s Madhya Pradesh died after consuming a syrup , which was later found to have a diethylene glycol (DEG).
Diethylene glycol and Ethylene Glycol are colourless, odourless liquids primarily used in industrial applications.
What does DEG poisoning do?
- Kidney failure
- Neurological damage
- Death in severe cases
- And often too late to reverse.
Various pharmaceutical syrups rely on glycerine or propylene glycol to dissolve the active ingredient. These solvents are safe for consumption.
However, some manufacturers substitute it with DEG to save money. In other cases, contamination occurs when industrial-grade glycerine or propylene glycol gets tainted with DEG.
This isn’t just a pharmaceutical issue.It’s a reminder that drug safety is non-negotiable.Because one small bottle shouldn’t carry a lifetime cost.
What do you think are we doing enough to ensure medicine safety today?
MBH/AB