Consumer Protection Against the Use of Syrup Drugs Containing Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol Exceeding the Safe Threshold

Abstract

Drugs are supposed to cure, but when they contain substances exceeding safe limits, they do not cure but are potentially harmful. Based on case in 2022 found that in the market syrup medicines for children that contain EG and DEG exceeding the safe threshold. This research aims to know the consumer protection against the use of syrup drugs containing ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol exceeding the safe threshold and the responsibility of businesses and National Agency for Drug and Food Control for such a drug. This research is conducted by a normative method by examining library or secondary materials and using Statute Approach, Conceptual Approach, and Case Approach. This study reveals that renal failure due to the use of EG and DEG syrup medications may be caused by the ineffective monitoring when issuing drug distribution permits and also caused by the companies who were dishonest in determining medicine doses. As a form of responsibility, the company should pay compensation in the form of medical treatment or in line with the rules and regulations that apply. The National Agency for Drug and Food Control should regularly conduct risk-based testing and random sampling as a form of accountability.