Friday, October 19, 2007 Firm pulls out infant medicines from market:DOH
WATER is still the best medicine for coughs and colds, Department of Health (DOH) 7 Director Susana Madarieta said in response to Wyeth Philippines’ withdrawal of its infant cold medication in the country.
“Water is still the best medicine for cough and colds. We don’t have to buy these products. Cough syrups are expensive but water is as effective,” Madarieta said.
DOH 7 assured that Wyeth Philippines will voluntarily withdraw its infant cold medication in the country.
The issue on the recall of Wyeth products follows drug companies in the United States pulling out infant cough medications after some pediatricians complained they were ineffective and dangerous.
“Wyeth voluntarily withdrew the medicines due to alleged hemorrhagic results,” said Monina Coyoca, food and drug regulation officer III of the DOH 7.
Coyoca confirmed that the Wyeth medicines in question were registered under Bfad.
Although there was no directive from the Bureau of Food and Drugs (Bfad), Madarieta said that the pharmaceutical company itself will withdraw the medicines just as it did with contaminated milk products last July.
The Philippine-manufactured infant medicines are different from those banned in the US, said Madarieta.
Health Sec. Francisco Duque already said that if the Philippines is importing the same products as those in the US, then there will be an automatic ban.
Bfad will meet with experts to discuss the issue. (JGA)
