The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana has issued a statewide alert after receiving reports from the Drug Testing Laboratory in Bhopal that two cough syrups — Relife and Respifresh TR — were found to be adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a highly toxic chemical. The affected products, manufactured by Shape Pharma Pvt. Ltd. and Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. in Gujarat, have been declared unsafe for human consumption. Both batches are marked with expiry dates of December 2026.

Following the discovery, the DCA has ordered all Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Directors across Telangana to immediately inform retailers, distributors, and hospitals to freeze any available stocks of these syrups. Authorities have also directed that the products must not be sold or dispensed under any circumstances. Citizens who possess these syrups have been strongly advised to stop using them at once and report to the nearest Drugs Control Authority office for further instructions.

To safeguard public health, the Telangana DCA has initiated strict enforcement actions and is closely monitoring the situation to prevent the circulation of these toxic medicines. Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution while purchasing medicinal syrups, as Diethylene Glycol poisoning can lead to severe kidney damage, nervous system failure, or even death.