Banned in Australia, BPOM Checks Syrup Medicines Containing Pholcodine in Indonesia

Illustration - Sirop Drugs (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) is tracking syrup drug products containing Pholcodine in Indonesia, following the recall of a similar product in Australia.

According to a written statement on the official BPOM website and confirmed by BPOM RI Public Relations, the withdrawal of cough syrup containing Pholcodine from the market was carried out by the Drug Regulatory Oversight Authority in Australia (Therapeutic Goods Administration/TGA).

The distribution permit revocation and withdrawal from circulation of cough syrup containing Pholcodine was carried out by TGA which was published on 28 February 2023 for reasons of drug safety and public health protection.

This action was taken after data showed that the use of Pholcodine could interact with neuromuscular blocking agents given during general anesthesia during surgical procedures. This interaction can cause an anaphylactic or allergic reaction that appears suddenly, is severe, and is life-threatening.

The BPOM explained that Pholcodine is an opioid/narcotic drug, which can be used to treat dry coughs in children and adults, as well as treat flu symptoms in combination with other medicines. The drug works in the body by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain.

Based on BPOM's database search, there are no drug products containing Pholcodine registered in Indonesia.

A drug similar to Pholcodine with the same mechanism of action and purpose of use is Codeine, which belongs to the narcotics group and is strictly monitored by the government, including BPOM, and its use must be under the supervision of a doctor.

Currently BPOM is conducting an investigation into the possibility of online distribution of this drug in Indonesia.

BPOM appeals to the public to be more vigilant, to be smart consumers, by buying and obtaining drugs through official facilities, namely at pharmacies, licensed drugstores, health centers, or the nearest hospital.

The public is also advised to buy and obtain hard drugs only with a doctor's prescription at official facilities, namely pharmacies, health centers, or hospitals. Buying drugs online is only done at pharmacies that already have an Electronic Pharmacy System Operator (PSEF) permit.

Implement CLICK Checks (Check Packaging, Labels, Distribution Permits, and Expiration) before buying or using drugs.

Make sure the product packaging is in good condition, read the product information printed on the label, and the product has a BPOM distribution permit, and has not exceeded its expiration date.