The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has recently released a serious public alert on the distribution of a falsified oral suspension of the antimalarial drug Cikatem (Artemether 180 mg/Lumefantrine 1080 mg), mainly meant for children use. This alarming discovery was made at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Kano State, following a consumer complaint that prompted an in-depth investigation by NAFDAC’s Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) officers. Upon receiving the complaint, NAFDAC’s vigilant PMS officers swiftly initiated an investigation that led to the identification of the counterfeit Cikatem suspension at the CWC in Kano.
A notable discrepancy observed on the falsified product’s Packaging was that it had the NAFDAC Registration Number (NRN) A11-100025, which is formally linked to the Cikatem tablet form (20/120 mg) rather than the suspension format. The product’s mislabeling prompted red flags over its validity and regulatory compliance. In response to this discovery, NAFDAC swiftly carried out a thorough market sweep, effectively removing all detected fake Cikatem suspensions from the market. Further investigations led officials to Michelle Laboratories, the Enugu-based manufacturer listed on the product’s label.
Seizure of falsified drugs discovered in further inspection.
During the plant inspection, authorities seized 17,280 bottles of the fake suspension, pending their planned disposal to shield the public from any possible harm. The agency stated that there are serious health dangers associated with the distribution of fake antimalarial drugs, especially in areas where Malaria is endemic and continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children. Counterfeit drugs often lack the necessary active ingredients or contain incorrect dosages, rendering them ineffective against malaria parasites.
In fact, this ineffectiveness can lead to treatment failures, prolonged illness, and an increased risk of severe disease or death. Moreover, the use of substandard medications can contribute to the development of drug-resistant strains of malaria, complicating future treatment efforts and undermining Public Health initiatives. In light of this incident, NAFDAC has issued a stern warning to all stakeholders within the pharmaceutical supply chain, including distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers, to exercise heightened vigilance.
Crackdown on counterfeit drug networks intensifies.
To guarantee the authenticity and safety of medical supplies, the agency stresses the importance of only purchasing them from approved and licensed vendors. It is recommended that consumers and Healthcare Providers carefully check the labeling and physical state of medications before using them. Any suspicions about the distribution or sale of counterfeit or subpar medications should be reported right away to the nearest NAFDAC office. It was also recommended that adverse occurrences or side effects associated with pharmaceuticals be reported via NAFDAC’s established e-reporting platforms, available on their official website.
This event demonstrates NAFDAC’s steadfast dedication to protecting the public’s health by guaranteeing the efficacy, safety, and quality of medications sold in Nigeria. In order to stop the spread of fake drugs, the agency keeps bolstering its regulatory frameworks and surveillance systems. This most recent public alert follows a broader and more aggressive NAFDAC crackdown to dismantle the networks flooding Nigeria’s market with unsafe medications that pose serious health risks, with a focus on major drug markets in Idumota (Lagos), Onitsha (Anambra), and Ariaria (Abia).
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These efforts, among others, have led to the removal of toxic substances from the market as well as the arrest of several suspects connected to the manufacture and sale of these unsafe goods. NAFDAC’s proactive measures in identifying and removing these dangerous products from the market highlight the critical role of regulatory agencies in ensuring drug safety. Continuous vigilance, public awareness, and strict adherence to regulatory guidelines are essential components in the ongoing fight against counterfeit medicines, aiming to secure a healthier future for all Nigerians.