NAFDAC warns Nigerians against use of fake anti-malaria drugs in circulation

The distribution of fake Combiart Dispersible Tablets 20/120mg in Nigeria has prompted a warning from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. This was revealed by NAFDAC on Thursday in a post on its X account. 

The organisation claims that Strides Arcolab Limited, an Indian company, is the manufacturer of the product. 

“This product was discovered in the FCT and Rivers State during surveillance activities conducted by officers of the Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate of NAFDAC.

“The laboratory report of the analysis carried out on the product revealed that it contained zero active pharmaceutical ingredients. The product was also observed to have two different date markings. The NAFDAC database of registered products confirmed that the product licence has expired, and the NAFDAC registration number on it is incorrect and does not belong to the product.

“The Artemether and Lumefantrine combination belongs to a group of medicines known as antimalarials. It treats malaria, a red blood cell infection transmitted by mosquito bites. However, this medicine is not used to treat severe or complicated malaria,” NAFDAC stated.

The FDA cautioned that since counterfeit medications do not adhere to legal requirements, their efficacy, safety, and quality cannot be guaranteed, posing serious health hazards. It further stated that fake medications frequently don't work to treat illnesses, which might have serious health repercussions, including death. 

The product's batch number was determined by NAFDAC to be 7225119, and its NAFDAC registration number was A11-0299. 

It stated that the product was manufactured between June 2023 and February 2023, and that it would expire between May 2026 and June 2026. 

Strides Arcolab Limited, 36/7, Suragajakkanahalli, Indlavadi Cross, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore (562 106), India was the manufacturer's name and address on file.

The organisation instructed all of its state coordinators and zonal directors to carry out monitoring and stop the sale of fake goods. In order to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit goods, importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare providers, and carers were asked to be cautious and vigilant along the supply chain.

“All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The authenticity and physical condition of the products should be carefully checked,” NAFDAC advised.

Source