The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) it has commenced an investigation into reports of suspected substandard Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg Capsules, Lot Number 4C639001.
Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC Director-General/CEO in a statement today, said the product, manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd and marketed by Devine Kings Pharmaceutical Ltd, has been linked to serious adverse drug reactions nationwide.
The agency added that preliminary findings have raised questions about the authenticity of the batch in question.
More so, NAFDAC said that Ecomed Pharma Ltd claims it produced only 20 packets of Lot 4C639001 for registration renewal purposes and 1,961 packets of a different batch, Lot 4C639002.
However, NAFDAC noted that 790 packs of Lot 4C639001—bearing a manufacturing date of March 2024 and expiry date of February 2027—have reportedly been recalled.
According to NAFDAC, the manufacturer denies producing the recalled packs, suggesting possible falsification.
“Key suspects, including Pharm. Ekene Christopher of Ecomed Pharma Ltd and Kingsley Ekeanyanwu of Devine Kings Pharmaceutical Ltd, are currently under investigation. Samples of the product have been collected for laboratory analysis, with further inquiries being conducted in collaboration with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria”, NAFDAC added.
In response to the potential health risk, NAFDAC advised the public to immediately cease the use, sale, or distribution of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg Capsules from the affected lot.
The agency further called on healthcare providers, distributors, and patients to source medicines only from authorised suppliers and to inspect products for authenticity and integrity.
“Reports of adverse reactions or suspicious activities related to the product can be submitted to NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322, sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng, or the Med Safety mobile application.”
Reiterating its commitment to public safety, NAFDAC assured the public of its resolve to eliminate substandard and falsified medicines from the supply chain.
“We will continue to work with stakeholders to uphold regulatory standards and ensure the safety of medicines in Nigeria,” said NAFDAC.
The agency added that further updates on the investigation will be provided once they are available.
