To curb the effect of fake drugs among patients, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert over the circulation of counterfeit Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets branded as Aflotin 20/120 in Nigerian markets.
The agency issued a warning that the fake drug poses a serious threat to public health and could result in treatment failure, prolonged illness or death.
In a statement released on its website recently, NAFDAC disclosed that the counterfeit product was identified and reported by Ajanta Pharma Limited, the main manufacturer based in Mumbai, India.
According to the agency, the batch in question — Batch No: PA2128L — was originally manufactured in December 2018 for Combisunate 20/120 (Artemether 20mg/Lumefantrine 120mg tablets) with an expiry date of November 2020.
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However, counterfeiters have manipulated the batch details and are now marketing the fake drug as Aflotin 20/120mg in a different packaging format.
Ajanta Pharma confirmed that the overprinting style of the counterfeit product does not match its standard production methods, leading to the conclusion that Aflotin 20/120mg with Batch No: PA2128L circulating in Nigeria is falsified.
NAFDAC emphasized that counterfeit medicines endanger lives because they fail to meet safety, quality, and efficacy standards.
The agency has directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove any counterfeit Aflotin 20/120mg products from circulation.
Distributors, healthcare professionals, retailers, and caregivers have also been advised to exercise extreme caution and ensure that all medicines are sourced from authorized and licensed suppliers.
NAFDAC urged members of the public to report any suspicious drug products and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health through strict regulatory enforcement.
