NAFDAC speaks on fake anti-malaria medicine manufactures
Business.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu.
November 29, 2024
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent warning about counterfeit Artemether and Lumefantrine tablets discovered during surveillance activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Rivers State.
According to a statement on the agency’s X handle on Thursday, the falsified product is manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited, based in India. Key findings from NAFDAC’s laboratory analysis revealed that the product contained zero active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and bore two conflicting date markings, raising further suspicions about its authenticity.
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Counterfeit Product include the, Batch Number: 7225119 NAFDAC Registration Number: A11-0299 (expired and incorrect).
Manufacturing Dates: February 2023 and June 2023.
Expiry Dates: May 2026 and June 2026.
Manufacturer’s Address: Strides Arcolab Limited, 36/7, Suragajakkanahalli, Indlavadi Cross, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore-562 106, India.
Risks of Using Counterfeit Products
NAFDAC emphasized that counterfeit medicines pose severe health risks, including failure to effectively treat diseases, worsening medical conditions, and, in extreme cases, death. The affected product, a combination of Artemether and Lumefantrine, is commonly used to treat malaria but is not effective for severe or complicated cases.
Surveillance and mop-up operations in affected zones and states. Advisory to importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare professionals to ensure vigilance in the supply chain. Encouraging healthcare professionals and the public to report any suspicious products or adverse reactions to
NAFDAC through designated channels.
Reporting Channels:
Hotline: 0800-162-3322.
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
Pharmacovigilance: pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
Med-Safety App: Available on Android and iOS.
NAFDAC also advised the public to purchase medications only from authorized and licensed suppliers and to verify the authenticity of products before use.
