Indian pharmaceutical company Abbott India withdrew all its batches of the popular antacid syrup, Digene gel, produced at its unit in Goa. This decision came after multiple complaints from customers in the month of August.
Customers complained saying that the digene syrup had turned white and was bitter in taste. They also complained of a pungent smell coming from the syrup. Normally, the syrup is pink and is sweet in taste.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation issued a public notice on its website, warning that the affected product might be unsafe and could lead to side effects. People were also advised to stop using the Digene gel from the Goa facility.
Doctors recommend that while there is no reason to panic, people using digene syrup for longer durations of time should consult their physicians. However, the digene tablet remains safe for consumption.
Digene medicine is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of acidity, heartburn, stomach discomfort, abdominal pain, and gastritis. It is even recommended for acid reflux. The key ingredient in the medicine is Magnesium Hydroxide. This neutralizes stomach acid.
Professionals advise avoiding the digene product for which an alert has been issued. It is always advisable to consult a doctor in any case of discomfort. While Digene is generally considered safe for over-the-counter use, its prolonged usage should be avoided as it may lead to complications in kidney or bone.