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NAFDAC Alerts Public Of Counterfeit Malaria Drug In Circulation

Published

4 hours ago

Nov 29, 2024.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning about the circulation of counterfeit Combiart Dispersible Tablets (20/120mg) in Nigeria.

In a statement on its X account on Thursday, the agency revealed that the fake drug was discovered during surveillance operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Rivers State by its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the counterfeit tablets contain no active pharmaceutical ingredients, rendering them ineffective against malaria.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that NAFDAC highlighted irregularities in the counterfeit product, including two manufacturing and expiry dates—June 2023 and February 2023, expiring in May 2026 and June 2026 respectively.

Additionally, the NAFDAC registration number on the drug is invalid, and its manufacturing license has expired. The falsified drug claims to be produced by Strides Arcolab Limited in India.

The agency emphasized the dangers of counterfeit medicines, warning that they fail to treat diseases effectively and pose severe health risks, including death. NAFDAC urged the public to purchase medications only from authorized suppliers and to verify the authenticity of products before use.

Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any suspected counterfeit drugs to NAFDAC through its toll-free number, email, or E-reporting platforms, including the Med-Safety app.

“All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products within the zones and states,” the agency stated.

NAFDAC confirmed that the incident has been reported to the World Health Organization Global Surveillance and Monitoring System for further action.

NAFDAC Counterfeit Malaria Drug

The agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and called on all stakeholders in the healthcare supply chain to exercise vigilance and caution to prevent the distribution of counterfeit medicines.