NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to fake anti-malaria drug in circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning about the circulation of counterfeit Combiart (Artemether Lumefantrine 20/120mg) Dispersible Tablets in Nigeria.

In a public alert numbered 043/2024 and published on its website, NAFDAC disclosed the fake drug’s manufacturing dates as February 2023 and June 2023, with expiry dates of May 2026 and June 2026.

The counterfeit product carries the batch number 7225119 and NAFDAC Registration No: A11-0299. The listed manufacturer is Strides Arcolab Limited, based in Bangalore, India.

To address the issue, NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to strengthen surveillance efforts and ensure the counterfeit drug is removed from circulation.

The agency advised importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare providers to stay vigilant and refrain from dealing in the counterfeit product. It also reminded the public to only purchase medical products from authorized suppliers, verifying their authenticity and condition.

NAFDAC urged individuals to report any suspicious activities involving falsified or substandard medicines to their nearest office, via the toll-free line 0800-162-3322, or through email at [email protected].

Additionally, consumers and healthcare professionals were encouraged to report adverse effects of medical products using the Med-Safety app (available on Android and iOS) or by emailing [email protected].

NAFDAC assured Nigerians that the information would be shared with the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) to combat the global spread of counterfeit medicines.