NAFDAC has warned Nigerians about the sale and distribution of fake Paludex tablets and suspensions across the country.
The agency announced on its X account (formerly Twitter) that fake Paludex Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets (80mg/480mg) were falsely labelled as being made by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, located at Standard Industrial Layout, Emene, Enugu State.
It added that these fake drugs are being distributed by MD Life Sciences Ltd, also based in Emene Industrial Layout, Enugu.
NAFDAC further revealed the discovery of counterfeit Paludex dry powder for oral suspension (180mg/1080mg), meant for children.
NAFDAC stated that the counterfeit Paludex oral suspension was falsely labelled as being manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, located at No. 33A/33B Standard Industrial Layout, Enugu, and Ecomed Pharma Limited in Ogun State, and marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd.
The agency revealed that laboratory tests conducted by a WHO-prequalified laboratory in Germany showed that both products contained zero per cent of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). Additional tests conducted by NAFDAC also confirmed the absence of any API in the products.
The statement further disclosed that the fake products are not listed in NAFDAC’s database of registered drugs, and the NAFDAC registration numbers displayed on the packaging are fake.
NAFDAC emphasized that authentic Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets or suspensions are a combination of two active ingredients, Artemether and Lumefantrine, used for treating acute, uncomplicated malaria in both adults and children.
“The illegal marketing of medicines or counterfeit medicines poses a great risk to the health of people.
“By not complying with the regulatory provisions, the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed.
“Also, poor-quality pediatric formulations or medicines in general have the potential of causing treatment failure when the API content is below the prescribed dose,” it said.
NAFDAC said that all its zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the fake products within their zones and states.
It also implored distributors, healthcare providers, and patients to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid distribution, administration, and use of the products.
The agency said that all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers.
“The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
“Anyone in possession of any of the above-mentioned products is advised to immediately discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
The agency advised the public, especially those who have used any of the products to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
It also advised healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: [email protected].
In another development, NAFDAC also identified Eziukwu Market, also known as Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, as a major hub for producing and distributing fake and substandard products.
This discovery followed an operation led by NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, Martins Iluyomade, on Tuesday.
During the operation, Iluyomade described the market as a centre for large-scale production and distribution of counterfeit goods, comparing its impact to “weapons of mass destruction.” Despite earlier raids, including a major one in December 2023, the illegal activities have persisted.
Iluyomade expressed frustration that people continue to prioritize profits over public health and safety. He also pointed out that the market leaders had previously signed an agreement with NAFDAC during the last operation, promising to expose those involved in these illegal activities.
However, he stressed that the market’s leadership must now answer serious questions about their failure to stop the production and sale of fake products.