Lagos: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the distribution of a counterfeit anti-malaria drug, Combiart (Artemether Lumefantrine 20/120mg) Dispersible Tablet, in Nigeria. This alert aims to inform the public about the potential risks associated with the consumption of these counterfeit drugs.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the public alert, marked No. 043/2024, was published on the NAFDAC website. It specifies the manufacturing dates of the counterfeit drug as February 2023 and June 2023, with expiration dates listed as May 2026 and June 2026. The Batch No is identified as 7225119, and the NAFDAC Reg No is A11-0299. The counterfeit drugs are falsely labeled as being manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited, located at 36/7, Suragajakkanahalli, Indlavadi Cross, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore- 562 106, India.
NAFDAC has instructed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove these counterfeit products
from circulation within their respective zones and states. The agency advises importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to be vigilant and cautious within the supply chain. They are urged to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and usage of the counterfeit product.
The agency emphasizes the importance of sourcing medical products only from authorized and licensed suppliers and stresses the need to check the authenticity and physical condition of these products. Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any suspicions of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.
For any concerns or suspicions, Nigerians are urged to contact NAFDAC at 0800-162-3322 or report via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. Additionally, healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report any adverse or side effects related to medicinal products or devices through NAFDAC’s E-reporting platforms available on their website or
via the Med-safety application available on Android and iOS stores, or by email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC has committed to uploading this notice to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) to ensure a broader reach and awareness.