The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert on the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria.
The affected products are ARTEMETRIN DS (Artemether/Lumefantrine 80mg/480mg), purportedly manufactured by A.C. Drugs Ltd, Enugu, and CIPROFIT 500 (Ciprofloxacin USP 500mg), labelled as manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, also in Enugu.
Laboratory tests carried out at a World Health Organization (WHO)-prequalified facility confirmed that both products contained dangerously low levels of their active ingredients. ARTEMETRIN DS contained only 59.2% Artemether and 71.2% Lumefantrine, while CIPROFIT 500 contained just 5.7% Ciprofloxacin, far below the required 90–110% standard.
NAFDAC disclosed that the drugs were purchased from a licensed wholesaler, but investigations revealed that neither product is listed in its database and the registration numbers printed on the packaging are fake.
The agency has urged the public to immediately stop the sale and use of these products and return any stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. Consumers who have used them and experienced adverse effects are advised to seek urgent medical attention.
NAFDAC also called on healthcare professionals and the general public to report suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines via its offices nationwide, toll-free line (0800-162-3322), or email (sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng).
