The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has informed the public about the sale of counterfeit Combiart (Artemether Lumefantrine 20/120mg) dispersible tablets in Nigeria.
The notification, issued as Public Alert No. 043/2024 on NAFDAC’s website, revealed that the counterfeit drug was manufactured in February 2023 and June 2023.
The product’s expiry dates are stated as May 2026 and June 2026, with Batch Number: 7225119 and NAFDAC Registration Number: A11-0299. The manufacturer is identified as Strides Arcolab Limited, located at 36/7, Suragajakkanahalli, Indlavadi Cross, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore – 562 106, India.
In the alert, NAFDAC disclosed that all zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to monitor and remove the counterfeit products from circulation within their respective zones and states.
The agency urged importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution throughout the supply chain. It advised against the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the counterfeit product.
NAFDAC further emphasised that all medical products should be sourced only from authorised or licensed suppliers and urged that the authenticity and physical condition of products be thoroughly verified.
Healthcare professionals and consumers have been encouraged to report any suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office. Reports can also be made via NAFDAC’s hotline: 0800-162-3322 or by email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
“Healthcare professionals and patients are also advised to report any adverse reactions or side effects associated with medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office or via the e-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website (www.nafdac.gov.ng),” the alert stated.
Additionally, NAFDAC recommended the use of the Med-safety app, available on Android and iOS, or emailing pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng for reporting adverse reactions.
NAFDAC assured the public that this notice would also be uploaded to the World Health Organisation’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS).
