India will make tests mandatory for cough syrups before they are exported, a government notice showed on Tuesday, after Indian-made cough syrups were linked
to the deaths of dozens of children in Gambia and Uzbekistan.
Any cough syrup must have a certificate of analysis issued by a government laboratory before it is exported, effective June 1, the government said in a notice dated
May 22 and shared by the health ministry on Tuesday.
India's $41 billion pharmaceutical industry is one of the biggest in the world but its reputation was shaken after the World Health Organization (WHO) found toxins
in cough syrups made by three Indian companies.
Syrups made by two of these companies were linked to the deaths of 70 children in Gambia and 19 in Uzbekistan last year.
"cough syrup shall be permitted to be exported subject to the export sample being tested and production of certificate of analysis," said the notice issued by the
trade ministry.
The health ministry did not immediately respond to a query on whether testing would be required for cough syrups sold in the domestic market.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that there has been a continued increase in cases of whooping cough (pertussis) across England since
the start of this year.
According to new data published by the agency on Thursday (7 March), 553 new cases of whooping cough were confirmed in January alone, compared with 858 cases
for the whole of last year (2023).
The country is witnessing a surge in whooping cough cases after a prolonged period of low case numbers, attributed to restrictions and reduced social interaction
during the COVID-19 pandemic. England recorded the highest number of whooping cough cases in 2016, recording 5,949 cases.
As the ongoing rise coincides with a steady decline in the vaccination rates among pregnant women and children, UKHSA has strongly encouraged mums-to-be to get
the maternal pertussis vaccine so that their young baby is protected against this serious disease.
Coughing is common health problem and it may arise due to blockage or irritant in your throat or upper respiratory tract. Coughing can also be due to a viral infection, common cold, flu, and smoking or health problems such as asthma, ...
Coughing is common health problem and it may arise due to blockage or irritant in your throat or upper respiratory tract. Coughing can also be due to a viral infection, common cold, flu, and smoking or health problems such as asthma, ...
Health authorities in India have launched an inquiry into an allegation that a local pharmaceutical regulator, in return for a bribe, helped switch samples of
cough syrups that the World Health Organization (WHO) had linked to the deaths of children in Gambia before the samples were tested at an Indian laboratory,
according to two government officials and documents reviewed by the Reuters news agency.
In an April 29 letter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Haryana state reviewed by the news agency, a lawyer named Yashpal accused the state's drug controller,
Manmohan Taneja, of taking a bribe of 50 million rupees (£481,600 approx.) from local manufacturer Maiden Pharmaceuticals to help it switch the samples before an
Indian government laboratory tested them. Maiden's factory is based in Haryana state.
Reuters points out that it was unable to independently establish that any bribes were paid.
Taneja did not respond to phone calls, messages or emails seeking comment. Maiden did not respond to requests for comment. The WHO said it had no knowledge of the
allegation.
Yashpal - who like some Indians uses only one name - did not say in the letter where he got the information, or provide evidence for his claim about the syrups made
by Maiden.
Reuters was unable to independently establish that any bribes were paid.
Pharmacists in the UK are reporting significant shortages of a common antibiotic used to treat whooping cough (pertussis), amid rising cases of this bacterial
infection.
Dr. Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA), told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that clarithromycin, one of the key
antibiotics for treating whooping cough in children, is "completely out of stock."
Clarithromycin is an antibiotic commonly recommended for babies and infants under the age of 1 month.
Dr. Leyla said that as pharmacies cannot get the antibiotic, they are being forced to turn patients away or send them back to their doctors to have their
prescriptions changed to azithromycin or other antibiotics for treating whooping cough.
A total of 7,599 whooping cough cases have been recorded in England from January to May 2024, according to new data released by the UK Health Security Agency
(UKHSA).
In January 2024, there were 555 cases, followed by 920 in February, 1,427 in March, 2,106 in April, and 2,591 in May.
While the majority of cases (over 53 per cent) occurred in individuals aged 15 years or older, who typically experience milder symptoms, a significant number (262)
were reported in babies under 3 months old, who are at the highest risk of severe complications and death from whooping cough.
Since the outbreak began in November last year, there have been nine infant deaths (one in December 2023 and eight between January and May 2024).
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a bacterial infection affecting the lungs. This cyclical disease peaks every 3 to 5 years, with the last increase seen in 2016.
As the weather gets colder, we're all looking for ways to get through the winter months. One of the most popular natural remedies is ginger. It's been used for thousands of years and has been shown to relieve symptoms like sore throat and coughing as well as boost overall health. People often use ginger as a home remedy for treating colds and sore throats due to its antibacterial markers that can help handle pain and inflammation. The Ginger (Zingiber officinale) root is a perennial plant. Our forefathers have consumed ginger as a herbal therapy for decades after decades to cure many health conditions, from arthritis to abdominal pain. Today, we often use ginger when we have a cough or cold. The scientific database reveals that ginger has medicinal effects that could ease the symptoms of a cold or sore throat.
This article will examine how ginger may help colds and how you can use it in teas, juices, and other home remedies.
How is ginger good for treating Colds?
There is no definitive proof that ginger can cure or eliminate colds from roots, but research indicates that it may help control them. Ginger can also aid in improving cold symptoms.
One study review shows that there is evidence that ginger can help:
prevent colds
control or relieve a sore throat
ease congestion
decrease inflammation
However, researchers need to examine ginger's additional benefits to support this evidence.
Medicinal properties
Ginger has blends called gingerols and shogaols. Experimenters consider that these compounds give ginger its therapeutic properties. It is a potent anti-inflammatory. It's also a natural expectorant and decongestant, which helps to clear up congestion. Ginger is high in vitamin C and manganese, both essential nutrients for boosting your immune system during the cold season. While ginger may not be a cure-all for the common cold or flu (it's always best to consult your doctor if you're sick), it can help keep you feeling better while you recover.
Stu
The Indian government has suspended manufacturing in over 40 pharmaceutical companies based on a risk-based assessment conducted earlier in the year across 162
firms, according to the data provided by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Parliament on Thursday (Aug. 10).
"Overall, a sum of 143 show-cause notices has been issued," Mandaviya said.
There have been numerous recent incidents involving accusations from foreign countries regarding the contamination of syrups, eye drops, and ointments manufactured
in India. Countries such as the Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon have linked the deaths of 70, 18, and six children, respectively, to cough syrups contaminated in
India.
Licenses for specific products have been either temporarily suspended or fully revoked for an additional 66 companies. In one case, an FIR has been registered,
and in 21 cases, warning letters have been issued following inspections by both the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization and State authorities, the Minister
added.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has mandated rigorous testing for cough syrups before export. Starting June 1, any cough syrup must possess a government
laboratory-issued certificate of analysis before being exported, the government said in a notice dated May 22.
The American healthcare company, CVS Health, has decided to remove the cold and cough pills containing phenylephrine from the drug stores.
The following decision comes after the health regulator, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines the decongestant is ineffective towards flu if
taken orally.
However, when ingested in pill or tablet form, this ingredient fails to reach its destination from the stomach to the nasal passages.
CVS Health spokesperson told USA Today, "We are removing a small number of oral decongestant products that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient
from CVS Pharmacy stores but will continue offering many other oral cough and cold products to meet consumer needs."
They almost run more than 9,000 stores in the US whereas their rival, Walgreens has not yet taken the step to remove over-the-counter medications from their shelves.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reclassified codeine linctus, a medicine used for the treatment of dry cough, from
a pharmacy-only medicine (P) to a prescription-only medicine (POM) owing to the risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose.
This implies that the dry cough syrup, which is also known as codeine oral solution, can only be dispensed upon the submission of a prescription at a pharmacy,
rather than being accessible over the counter upon request.
Patients are cautioned that as an opioid medicine, codeine can be addictive, and the risk of addiction may increase, particularly with prolonged use over an
extended period.
According to the medicines regulator, codeine is converted into morphine by the liver enzyme CYP2D6. In individuals identified as ultra-rapid metabolizers, this
conversion from codeine to morphine occurs at a faster rate than in others.
"If you want to stop taking it and have been taking codeine linctus for a long time, then it is important to reduce the amount you take slowly with the help of
your prescriber," the agency said in its drug safety update issued on Tuesday, 20 February.
As whooping cough cases rise sharply across the UK, the NHS has reactivated the serious shortage protocols (SSPs) for clarithromycin - a commonly prescribed
antibiotic to treat this bacterial infection.
Pharmacy bodies had recently warned that community pharmacies were struggling to obtain source clarithromycin for patients.
Two SSPs, covering clarithromycin 125mg/5mL and 250mg/5mL oral suspensions, were reactivated on 22 May 2024, and extended until 21 June 2024.
These protocols state that for every 5mL of clarithromycin 125mg/5mL oral suspension, pharmacy contractors must supply 2.5mL of clarithromycin 250mg/5mL oral
suspension; and for every 5mL of clarithromycin 250mg/5mL oral suspension, one clarithromycin 250mg tablet must be supplied.
The SSPs apply to cross-border prescriptions, both NHS and private.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a consultation on the reclassification of codeine linctus to a prescription-only
medicine after considering multiple Yellow Card reports for its opioid effects, rather than for its intended use as a cough suppressant.
This medication is currently licensed as a pharmacy medicine, which means that it is available to purchase over the counter in pharmacies. If reclassified as a
prescription-only medicine, all strengths of codeine linctus will only be available upon presentation of a prescription.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: "Codeine linctus is an effective medicine, but as it is an opioid, its misuse and abuse can have major health
consequences.
Every response received will help us to develop a broader view on whether codeine linctus should be restricted to prescription-only status.
We want to hear from members of the public, health professionals and others who would be affected by this potential change so we can make a properly considered
decision for the benefit of patients, carers, and healthcare professionals across the UK.
Boots has expanded its partnership with Deliveroo to cover 125 stores in the UK, offering delivery of a wide range of health and beauty products up and down
the country.
The company announced last year that it had entered into an exclusive partnership with Deliveroo to provide 400 plus health and beauty products to consumers at their
doorsteps.
The pharmacy multiple has been delivering over-the-counter cough, cold and flu symptom relief products, paracetamol, vitamins and digital thermometers through
Deliveroo.
The partnership has been part of the business' continued investment in digital technology to provide customers with a more convenient and personal shopping experience.
Popular and new products available on Deliveroo include cough, cold and flu symptom relief products, paracetamol, vitamins, digital thermometers, period and sexual
wellbeing products including sanitary towels, condoms and pregnancy tests among other health and beauty products.
Boots is now available via Deliveroo for the first time to customers in major cities including Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast, Bristol, Sheffield, Coventry, Plymouth,
Exeter, Middlesbrough, York, Aberdeen and Inverness.
Bladder leakage is one of the most common healthcare issues affecting women, with the effects of the condition having major effects on women's lives. 1 in 3
women over the age of 18 experience bladder leakage at some point in their lives,1 and in general, prevalence increases at the start of the menopause. It is a major
taboo and due to embarrassment women sometimes struggle to discuss the condition and need help.
It is now time for community pharmacy teams to take the lead and provide the proactive support your customers need - and don't just reach for the pads…. You can help
them stop the leaks, and build customer loyalty. If women are regularly buying pads, or have struggled with using pharmacological solutions you can now offer
alternative approaches.
What is incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is when a person accidentally passes urine when they don't want to. It occurs when their bladder is put under pressure, such as when they cough,
sneeze, laugh or run. Frequent or occasional, it can vary from a few dribbles to a complete loss of bladder control.
There are several known types of bladder and urinary incontinence. They receive their name from the origin of the issue that causes the passing of urine. Although
they are similar and can have some of the same symptoms, they mostly differ in the way they come about:
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) - causes the leak after a person strains or exerts themselves during a physical activity, including coughing, sneezing, laughing,
running or jumping. This is the most common type of urinary incontinence.
An Indian court has sentenced two pharmaceutical company executives to two-and-half years in jail for exporting substandard drugs to Vietnam a decade ago,
months after the WHO linked their cough syrups to the deaths of children in Gambia.
India suspended production at Maiden Pharmaceuticals in October last year for violations of manufacturing standards after the World Health Organization said four of
its cough syrups may have killed dozens of children in Gambia.
The company has denied its drugs were at fault for the deaths in Gambia and tests by an Indian government laboratory found there were no toxins in them.
The company had been facing legal difficulties for years over suspected shoddy products.
A court in Sonipat, near New Delhi, where Maiden has its main production facility, ordered jail for company founder Naresh Kumar Goel and technical director
M.K. Sharma for exporting heartburn medicine "not of standard quality" to Vietnam.
The Medicine and Healthcare Product Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recalled all pholcodine-containing medicines from the UK pharmacy due to concerns of its
potential to cause a severe allergic reaction in some people having general anaesthesia for surgery.
The decision was made following the conclusion of a review of post-marketing safety data by the MHRA. The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has considered the
evidence of an increased risk of the very rare event of anaphylaxis when exposed to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) and advised that pholcodine-containing
medicines should be withdrawn.
MHRA has advised pharmacists to consider recommending appropriate treatment alternatives for patients who present with a new dry cough or who are currently taking
pholcodine.
Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) President Professor Claire Anderson said: "If you are taking a cough medicine (including tablets and syrups), check the packaging,
label or Patient Information Leaflet to see if pholcodine is a listed ingredient - if it is, and you have any questions, you can talk to your pharmacist who can
suggest a different medicine suitable for you.
Established in 1907, Jakemans prides itself as one of the most popular mentholated lozenge brands[1].
Naturally infused with menthol, an ingredient that releases natural vapours to ease the symptoms of a sore throat to keep airways clear, Jakemans has been soothing
sore throats and coughs for over 100 years.
Using only the finest natural ingredients, Jakemans contain no artificial colours or flavours and are suitable for vegetarians.
In January 2023, Jakemans will be launching a new sugar free variant of the much-loved classic flavour, Throat & Chest in a 50g bag format.
Jakemans uses only the finest natural ingredients, contain no artificial colours or flavours and are suitable for vegetarians.
Each tasty lozenge is bursting with menthol - an ingredient that releases natural vapours to soothe the symptoms of a sore or tickly throat and keep airways clear.
The National Health Service(NHS) has reported a record number of attendances at Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments and emergency admissions for any
June, reflecting significant pressure on healthcare services amidst hot weather and recent strikes by junior doctors.
Last month, hospitals across the UK handled over 2.29 million A&E attendances and more than 536,884 emergency admissions, marking increases of 3.1 per cent
and 7.2 per cent respectively compared to the previous year.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, acknowledged the strain on frontline teams:
"Frontline teams are continuing to work exceptionally hard under significant pressure to provide the best care they can for patients."
Strengthens Immunity
Being rich in potent antioxidants & antimicrobial properties, tulsi works as a natural herbal immune functions enhancer, keeping you protected & safe from frequent illnesses, while boosting your immune power to the ultimate level.
Better Purification
Fighting with the impurities you are getting from unhealthy foods, pollution & human activities, tulsi helps in cleansing and purification by protecting against natural toxins produced within the body.
Improves Respiratory Health
Tulsi has amazing anti-inflammatory effects that helps reduce inflammation in sore throat and helps get relieve from seasonal cough and cold in an easy and convenient way.
Enhances Vitality
Tulsi works as a great stress manager that helps maintain normal bodily functions, responsible for happiness & energy. While boosting your metabolism it helps reduce stress & anxiety, making it an ideal concoction for your true well-being.
The Tonsil stones, those white or yellow clumps nestled amidst your Tonsils Stones, can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. While harmless in most cases, their bad odor and irritation can be bothersome. Thankfully, several safe and effective methods can help you dislodge those pesky stones.
Understanding the Basics:
Tonsil stones form when dead cells, bacteria, and mucus get trapped in the crevices of your tonsils. While they often dislodge on their own, some folks experience persistent stones requiring intervention.
Here's how to tackle them:
Home Remedies:
Gargling with warm salt water: Mix 1/2 teaspoon table salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle several times daily, allowing the solution to bathe your tonsils and loosen the stones.
Water flossing: Use a water flosser on a low-pressure setting to gently dislodge stones with targeted streams of water.
Coughing: Try forceful Coughs to dislodge the stones. Be gentle and avoid excessive Coughing to prevent irritation.
Cotton swab (use with caution): Only do this if you can see the stone clearly and it's easily accessible. Use a clean, wet cotton swab to gently nudge the stone loose. Avoid pushing it deeper or scratching the tonsils.