National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent warning regarding the circulation of counterfeit Combiart (Artemether Lumefantrine 20/120mg) Dispersible Tablets in Nigeria. The alert, released under Public Alert No. 043/2024, highlights concerns over the presence of these fake malaria treatment tablets in the market, which may pose serious health risks to consumers.
According to NAFDAC, the counterfeit Combiart tablets, which are typically used to treat malaria, have been identified with suspicious manufacturing dates of February and June 2023, with expiration dates listed as May and June 2026. The affected batch, identified by the number 7225119, is registered under NAFDAC Reg No: A11-0299. The agency has cautioned the public to be aware of these counterfeit tablets that could be harmful to health.
The counterfeit Combiart tablets are believed to have been manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited, a company based in Bangalore, India. In its public alert, NAFDAC emphasized that these tablets were not produced by the authorized sources and may not meet the safety standards required for effective treatment.
NAFDAC has already taken steps to address the issue, directing its zonal directors and state coordinators to begin thorough surveillance to ensure that the counterfeit products are removed from circulation. “We are working closely with law enforcement to locate and seize the counterfeit tablets. It is crucial to protect the public from the dangers posed by these unapproved products,” said NAFDAC’s Director-General, who stressed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
The agency has called on importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers to remain vigilant in identifying and avoiding these counterfeit products. NAFDAC has strongly advised stakeholders to refrain from the importation, sale, and use of the affected batch, reinforcing that medical products should only be sourced from authorized and licensed suppliers. “It is critical that all parties involved in the distribution and sale of medications take responsibility for ensuring the authenticity of the products they handle,” NAFDAC stated in the alert.
Consumers and healthcare professionals have been encouraged to carefully inspect the physical condition and authenticity of any medical products before use. In cases of suspected counterfeit drugs or medical devices, NAFDAC urges the public to report them immediately. “If you suspect that a product is counterfeit or have any concerns, please contact NAFDAC through our helpline at 0800-162-3322 or email us at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng,” the agency said.
Furthermore, NAFDAC has advised the public to report any adverse effects related to medicinal products through the Med-Safety app, available for download on both Android and iOS platforms. The agency also reminded users to report such incidents via email to pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng to support the monitoring and safety of medical products.
To increase awareness, NAFDAC’s warning will be shared on the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS), contributing to broader global efforts to track and respond to counterfeit drug threats.
Peace OdekunleNovember 30, 20242 Mins read
