For many Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a month of reflection, introspection and religious growth. It is also a month of challenging dietary changes as the Muslim faithful are required to eat and drink only twice a day. While many Muslims partake in the fast with healthy foods and drinks, some have decided to supplement with energy drinks and most recently, ORS.
ORS or Oral Rehydration Solutions are used to combat dehydration in people suffering from diarrhea. It contains water, electrolytes and some carbohydrates that replenish the energy in patients with diarrhea. It is usually sold over the counter and often without the requirement of a prescription, hence the easy access to the pill.
Daily Trust gathered that some young Muslims in Kano have now taken to drinking ORS at Sahur, the mealtime for fasting Muslims before the break of dawn, while some even at Iftar when it is time to break their fast.
One of the users, Mariya Sani, told Daily Trust that using ORS during Sahur and Iftar was the only way to get through the fasting.
“I am a tailor, I use energy to work and I easily get tired. This is why I take ORS for Sahur to have the energy I need to work. If I don’t take it, I become weak. I also take it during Iftar to regain my strength”, she said.
Like Mariya, Hadiza Sule also believes that taking ORS was the key to maintaining energy during Ramadan.
She told Daily Trust that she believes taking ORS was the only way to fast till the end and justified her action by saying, “I know doctors prescribe it for sick people who are weak and since fasting naturally makes us weak, I take it to regain strength.
“My 10-year-old son came back from Islamiyya School last week and told me I should buy ORS for him so that he can see through the fasting,” a father, who asked not to be named, said, adding that it is now common knowledge for his son to be demanding for it.
Muhammad Yusuf says he takes the solution because he believes that the drug has no side effects whatsoever even though he takes it without prescription. He said: “I have been taking ORS for a while now, even outside of the fasting period. But during fasting, I take it at Sahur and Iftar to keep my energy up. I have been taking it for a long time now and it doesn’t harm.”
The increase in the consumption of the drugs like other energy drinks has naturally increased its demand at pharmacies and patent medicine stores in the city as admitted by Yahaya Muhammad Sani, a pharmacist.
Sani told one of our reporters that “With the coming of Ramadan, there is a high surge in the demand for ORS/ORT. People come here to purchase at Iftar and keep it to use during Sahur.
“We do sell a carton now in a week because of the demand but before the Ramadan fast, we barely sold 10 out of the 100 sachets in a carton.”
Indiscriminate consumption dangerous – Experts
But as a pharmacist, Sani said the indiscriminate consumption of the solution could have an adverse effect on the person.
“There is a problem taking ORS indiscriminately without a doctor’s prescription. If you are aged or have any underlying health condition, you are more vulnerable to problems. People should avoid taking it and take a lot of water instead.”
He said pharmacists cannot regulate how the people access the drug because “When they come to buy, if you refuse to sell to them, they would still go elsewhere to buy, so I have to reluctantly sell to them.”
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Speaking in a similar vein, Naseeba Babale, a lab scientist said that the indiscriminate consumption of ORS might not end well for its consumers.
“ORS is given to people that have lost something we call electrolytes usually through diarrhea and sometimes vomiting.
“Although people get dehydrated during fasting, it does not lead to electrolyte loss. You see, it contains some salts, which the body of a fasting person doesn’t really need.
“People should be wary about taking it because it could lead to an overload of sodium and then hypertension might set in.”
A medical doctor, Abdullah Shittu also called on people to be wary of indiscriminate consumption of the solution. “This is more, especially with people who are already predisposed to hypertension, they should avoid taking ORS.”
He added that people should avoid using unprescribed drugs.
ORS not haram – Clerics
An Islamic cleric, who preferred not to be named, told Daily Trust that although culturally and even to an extent, morally taking energy supplements like ORS during fasting is frowned upon, spiritually, there is no teaching that prohibits taking them.
He said, “Muslims are told to eat well at Sahur and even to delay eating Sahur so that they eat enough to sustain them through the fast. As long as they don’t take the ORS during the day when the fast is going on, I don’t believe it invalidates the fast. But God knows best.”
In agreement, another cleric, Dr. Shuaibu Doury said that as long as the supplements taken to conserve energy are alcohol-free and consumed within the stipulated time, they do not invalidate the fast.
“I will personally endorse it to people whose nature of work calls for physical and even mental exertion,” he said.
But a former Chairman of Kano State Council of Ulamas, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil warned that though it is not haram, people should not take it without a prescription by a qualified medical doctor.
“Since doctors prescribe it for patients suffering from diseases such as diarrhea and people do take it to regain their energy because of the fasting, taking ORS doesn’t invalidate fasting. If people take it due to the excessive heat or sun, if it is prescribed or recommended by a doctor to lessen the effect of fasting, then there is no problem.
“Fasting isn’t about hunger. It is about abstinence from eating and drinking. If you take it to regain energy to do your work during the day, it doesn’t affect your fasting. It is not prohibited. It doesn’t invalidate your fasting.”
Sheikh Khalil gave an instance of women being permitted “To take some drugs to pause their menstrual period to be able to fast or to be able to perform Hajj. So, there is no problem if taking ORS will give you strength to fast or to allow you to do your work”
Another cleric and university lecturer, Dr. Ibrahim Siraj said as long as it is not prohibited in Islam, you cannot stop people from using it.
“ORS on its own has no substance in the composition that is forbidden in Islam. So, it can’t be said to be prohibited. If there is something in it that is forbidden, Islamic clerics can give Fatwah against it. It is medical experts that can advise accordingly, if there is anything harmful in taking it, then Islamic clerics too would rely on the expert’s submission to give Fatwah.
“If doctors recommend it to be used, then there is no problem, it can be used since it is acceptable in Islam. But if doctors say there is a problem, then doctors’ professional advice should prevail,” he added.
DAILY TRUST
5 reasons men need to eat pineapple before sexual intercourse
Sex ought to be an enjoyable activity, but many factors can get in the way of such enjoyment. Factors like low libido, lack of stamina, and erections can prevent such enjoyment. That’s why pineapples are so important. Many people believe it only benefits women, but it has many sexual benefits for men.
Pineapples are rich in manganese, an antioxidant that fights free radicals and prevents cellular damage. A manganese deficiency can lead to diseases like heart disease and diabetes, which are linked to erectile dysfunction. However, adequate manganese intake can increase blood flow and prevent infertility.
Pineapples are rich in bromelain, which increases testosterone production and provides many sexual benefits in bed. This hormone regulates libido and encourages nitric oxide oxidation which makes men more sexually active.
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Pineapples are also rich in vitamin C and thiamine which can increase low libido in men. Thiamine stimulates the development of sex hormones, and this is especially important when men can’t have an erection during sex.
Pineapple can help increase sexual stamina, especially for those who find themselves exhausted from sex. Sex requires endurance and stamina, with studies showing men can burn up to 101 calories in 30 minutes of sex. To enjoy bedroom fun without exercising, consider indulging in pineapples, which are rich in vitamins B1 and C, which can help increase sexual stamina.
Pineapple consumption before sex can enhance the taste of ejaculate by making it sweeter. This is due to the high levels of acid and sugar in pineapple, which make semen less bitter and more sweet. The primary benefit for partners is the added sweetness, in case they want to taste it.
Raw pineapple, rich in vitamin C, is an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and prevents inflammation. Studies on rats have linked reduced inflammation to improved blood flow, which is important for sexual health.
This is because healthy blood flow is essential for achieving sexual arousal and erectile function for penetrative sex. This increased blood flow and higher blood pressure within the penis make the penis firm and erect.
Finally, a cup of pineapple or one pineapple finely chopped is enough; do not eat more than that, as it will have the opposite effect.
NAFDAC alerts to counterfeit Tandak injection in Nigeria
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians about the sale of counterfeit TANDAK injection 1.5g powder and water for injection, manufactured by Intracin Pharmaceuticals PVT. LTD C-1, B-53, G.I.D.C Estate, Nadiad- 387001, Gujarat, India.
A statement released by the agency on Wednesday, April 10, says the counterfeit product was discovered in Gombe State, Nigeria, and reported to the Agency by Marcson Healthcare Ltd. – the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH).
‘’Tandak® injection of 1.5g powder is a co-formulation of Ceftriaxone 1000mg and Sulbactam 500mg. It is prescribed for use in the treatment of various types of bacterial infections. It fights against micro organisms by preventing their growth, and further spread of the infection. Ceftriaxone+Sulbactam 1000mg/500mg Injection should only be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. the statement read
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The illegal marketing of counterfeit medicines poses a risk to the health of people, since by not complying with the regulatory provisions, the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed.
NAFDAC has directed all its Zonal Directors and State Coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products within the Zones and States.
Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322 or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC recalls Benylin cough syrup
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control has recalled Benylin Paediatrics Syrup manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, following recent toxicity findings in the laboratory on the product.
NAFDAC said laboratory analysis conducted on the product showed that it contains an unacceptable high level of Diethylene glycol and was found to cause acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals.
The agency disclosed this on its website on Wednesday.
A product recall is an important method of managing risks in response to product safety events and emergencies.
According to an online health portal, Science Direct, a product recall is a request to return to the maker, a batch, or an entire production run of a product, usually over safety concerns, design defects, or labelling errors.
“Benylin Paediatric syrup is indicated for the relief of cough and its congestive symptoms and for the treatment of hay fever and other allergic conditions in children aged two to 12 years.
“Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death,” it noted.
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The details of the product showed that the product is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson in Cape Town, South Africa.
With batch number 329304, the product was manufactured in May 2021, and it is to expire this month, April 2024.
NAFDAC, however, implored importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of substandard (contaminated) regulated products.
It said all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
“Anyone in possession of the above-mentioned product is advised to immediately discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. If you witness any adverse reaction/event after the use of this product in any children, you are advised to direct such patients to immediate medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of the medicinal product to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application available for download on android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng,” it added.
Meanwhile, the agency said it has directed the marketing authorisation holder (Johnson and Johnson company, West Africa) to initiate the recall of the batch and the notice will also be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System.
NAFDAC regulates and controls the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, chemicals, and detergents.
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