Abbott India informed drug controller Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation of the voluntary recall of Digene Gell and stopped production of all variants of the product manufactured at their Goa facility. Photo: digeneindia.com

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has alerted healthcare professionals, consumers, patients, wholesalers, distributors, and regulatory authorities about the voluntary recall of Abbott India’s popular antacid syrup Digene Gel, manufactured at its Goa facility.

The public notice issued by the apex drug controller on its website said: “The impugned product may be unsafe and its use may result in adverse reaction.”

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), who heads the CDSCO, also advised the doctors and healthcare professionals to carefully prescribe and educate their patients to discontinue the use and to report any adverse drug reactions arising due to consumption of Digene Gel.

“Healthcare professionals should promptly report any suspicious cases of adverse events linked to this product,” the DCGI stated in the letter.

The drug controller’s notice said the company initially withdrew one batch of its product available in mint flavour and four batches in orange flavour after receiving a complaint about a product that was white, had bitter taste and pungent smell early August. Within a week the company recalled all batches of its Digene syrup sold in mint, orange, and mixed-fruit flavours manufactured at its Goa facility.

CDSCO said it was reported on August 9 that one bottle of Digene Gel Mint Flavour used by customers was of regular taste (sweet) and light pink colour whereas another bottle of the same batch was of white colour with bitter taste and pungent odour as per the complaint.

Abbott India Limited informed the drug controller of the voluntary product recall and voluntarily stopped production of all variants of Digene Gel manufactured at their Goa facility.

CDSCO also urged distributors and users to discontinue the use of Digene Gel manufactured at the Goa facility while stating that there is no need to panic.

The drug is known to relieve acidity and its symptoms such as heartburn, stomach discomfort, abdominal pain and gas. It can be prescribed for gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) and acid reflux (a condition where stomach acid flows back to the food pipe). It uses basic compounds like magnesium hydroxide to neutralise the stomach acid.

Abbott spokesperson on Wednesday noted that the company had voluntarily recalled the antacid medicine manufactured at Goa site due to isolated customer complaints on taste and odour. 

“There have been no reports of patient health concerns. Other forms of Digene, such as tablets and stick packs are not impacted and Digene Gel manufactured at our other production site is not affected and continues to be available in sufficient quantities to meet current demand. The other production site is in Baddi,” the spokesperson added.

Actor Sonu Sood has taken a strong stand against drugs abuse in Punjab. In a video released by the Director General of Punjab Police on X (formerly known as Twitter), the actor urges everyone to help in eradicating drugs abuse from the state.

“Punjab has always been known for its spirited youth. But for quite some time now, I have been observing that people say use of drugs has increased in Punjab. The new generation, our youth, seems to be greatly affected by drugs. Even when I personally visit Moga or various parts of Punjab, I see that many people, especially the youth, are trapped in drug addiction. Due to drugs, crime has increased as they need money to buy it,” Mr Sood says in the video.

He recalls he once ran a campaign to rescue around 280 children who were under the influence of drugs. He says he had also tried to support them in returning to a drug-free life.

“But back then, we [Sonu Sood and his team] couldn’t reach a lot of people who needed help. To help them, the Punjab government, our honourable Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann bhaji (brother), and our DGP Yadav ji have taken an excellent initiative. Their efforts to make Punjab drug-free have been remarkable. I urge everyone to support this cause. Let’s unite and make Punjab a drug-free state. This can only happen when we all come together and support this campaign,” he continues.

“Let’s work together to make Punjab drug-free, and let the land of Punjab be known once again for its youth. I salute the efforts of the Punjab government and the entire police force for their dedication. Keep this initiative going, and together, we will bring Punjab back to the top,” he adds.

The text attached to the clip read, “Thank you, Sonu Sood, for the motivational message. Punjab Police is working tirelessly to break the backbone of drugs. Very soon our collective efforts will help eradicate drugs from Punjab under the vision of chief minister Bhagwant Mann.”

Thank you @SonuSood for the motivational message. @PunjabPoliceInd is working tirelessly to break the backbone of drugs.

Very soon our collective efforts will help eradicate drugs from #Punjab under the vision of CM @BhagwantMann#PunjabFightsDrugspic.twitter.com/SRc7EmdGR6

— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) September 3, 2023

Last month, Punjab Police seized 77 kg of heroin from four people allegedly involved in a trans-border drug smuggling racket.