The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent alert to Nigerians regarding the circulation of counterfeit Combiart (Artemether Lumefantrine 20/120mg) Dispersible Tablets in the country. This counterfeit product poses a significant health risk, as it is being sold under the guise of the authentic anti-malaria drug.
In a public alert numbered 043/2024, NAFDAC disclosed the details of the fake drug’s manufacturing dates, which are February 2023 and June 2023, with expiry dates set for May 2026 and June 2026. The fake product has the batch number 7225119 and carries NAFDAC Registration No: A11-0299, which may mislead unsuspecting consumers and medical providers. According to the agency, the counterfeit tablets are being marketed under the manufacturer name Strides Arcolab Limited, which is based in Bangalore, India.
To counter the spread of these counterfeit drugs, NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to increase surveillance in a bid to remove the fake tablets from circulation. The agency is also taking proactive measures to ensure that the authenticity of medicines in the market is scrutinized, particularly those involved in the fight against malaria.
NAFDAC has also issued a stern warning to importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare providers, urging them to avoid dealing in this counterfeit product. In addition, the agency reminded the public to only purchase medicines from authorized and reputable suppliers, ensuring that the products are in proper condition and fully verified for authenticity.
The agency encourages Nigerians to report any suspicious activities involving counterfeit or substandard medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, via their toll-free line 0800-162-3322, or through email at [email protected]. Furthermore, healthcare professionals and consumers who experience adverse effects from medical products are encouraged to report them using the Med-Safety app, available on both Android and iOS, or by sending an email to [email protected].
NAFDAC has reassured the public that all relevant information will be shared with the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) to help combat the global spread of counterfeit medicines, ensuring public safety and promoting better healthcare standards in Nigeria and beyond.
