The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the circulation of suspected counterfeit medicinal products designed to imitate Forxiga® (Dapagliflozin), warning that the fake products pose a potential risk to patients and healthcare professionals.
In Public Alert No. 036/2026, the agency disclosed that the suspected counterfeit medicines were detected in the Nigerian market after the original manufacturer, AstraZeneca, notified NAFDAC following market surveillance activities.
According to the agency, the counterfeit products bear names closely resembling the genuine medicine, including “Forzigar” and “Foziga,” while also mimicking AstraZeneca’s branding and logo, making them capable of misleading healthcare providers and patients.
NAFDAC explained that the authentic Forxiga® (Dapagliflozin) is an approved prescription medicine primarily used to improve blood sugar control in patients with Type 2 diabetes, reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalisation in people with heart failure, and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.
The agency identified the genuine product as Forxiga®, with the generic name Dapagliflozin, presented as film-coated tablets and marketed by AstraZeneca.
NAFDAC said investigations are underway to trace the source and distribution channels of the suspected counterfeit medicines, adding that all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to intensify market surveillance and conduct mop-up operations to identify and remove the falsified products from circulation across the country.
The agency urged consumers, pharmacists, healthcare providers and medicine vendors to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of medicines before dispensing or using them.
It also advised members of the public and healthcare professionals to promptly report any suspected sale or distribution of substandard or falsified medicines and medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Suspected counterfeit products can also be reported through NAFDAC’s dedicated toll-free line, 0800-162-3322, or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through continuous surveillance, enforcement actions and collaboration with pharmaceutical manufacturers to prevent counterfeit medicines from reaching Nigerian patients.
