Is there truth to the claim that another medication is causing the deaths of children in Uzbekistan?

A photo of the medication "Antistrumín-Darnitsya," manufactured by a Ukrainian company, along with an audio recording detailing children's deaths in Uzbekistan purportedly linked to this drug, is circulating on social media. The state institution "Pharmaceutical Products Safety Center" has responded to this issue.

According to their statement, the information presented in the recording lacks evidence; thus, there is no conclusive link between the deaths of children and the mentioned medication. Furthermore, it has been clarified that "Antistrumín-Darnitsya" is not registered with the Uzbekistan authorities and is not authorized for medical use.

The report emphasizes that, in accordance with the country's regulations, drugs must undergo state registration before being approved for medical use. This process involves thorough examination of relevant documentation, laboratory testing to confirm quality, safety, and efficacy, culminating in state registration contingent upon positive evaluations.

It's worth recalling that previously, "Dok-1 Max" syrup, manufactured by the Indian pharmaceutical company Marion Biotech, was implicated in the deaths of 65 children in Uzbekistan. Subsequently, investigations revealed that the company had employed a toxic substance typically used in industrial drug production.

Following an order from the Pharmaceutical Network Development Agency of the Ministry of Health on December 22, 2022, the withdrawal of "Dok-1 Max" drugs from pharmacies was mandated.

India's Marion Biotech Pvt. Ltd subsequently ceased production of these drugs, and the sale of all medications manufactured by the company was halted.