Discover your next big idea for life sciences at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in life sciences packaging—explore solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries, all in one place this September

Mislabeling Leads to 17 Cases of Infant “Werewolf Syndrome”

Children in Spain have developed hypertrichosis after a reflux drug was contaminated with alopecia treatment.

Infant Werewolf Syndrome / Image: Shutterstock
Infant Werewolf Syndrome / Image: Shutterstock

The headline may sound like a festive Halloween ruse, but according to a recent European Pharmaceutical Review article, kids in Spain are developing ‘werewolf syndrome’ after a packaging error. There have been at least 17 cases reported in which infants have grown abnormal body hair after taking omeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The drug administered was contained minoxidil, a medication used to treat alopecia.

Farma-Química Sur, the company that produces the drug, purchased a batch of minoxidil from a generic drug supplier in India. A labeling error at the plant caused the two to be mixed, resulting in the hairy babies. The company told parents that the excess hair should fall out and the babies should be back to normal in a few weeks.

Break out of the ordinary: see what’s new in life sciences packaging
<strong>At PACK EXPO Las Vegas, you’ll see machinery in action and new tech from 2,300 suppliers, collaborate with experts and explore transformative solutions. Join us in September to experience a breakthrough for life sciences products.</strong>
REGISTER NOW & SAVE!
Break out of the ordinary: see what’s new in life sciences packaging
FDA warning letters surge - is your team prepared?
New guide reveals expert strategies to prevent regulatory issues and respond effectively to FDA enforcement actions in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.
Read More
FDA warning letters surge - is your team prepared?