The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a strong caution to the Nigerian public regarding the usage of four specific products that have been found to contain potent medicinal ingredients, steroids, and other prohibited substances.
Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, conveyed this warning in Abuja on Sunday, citing information received from the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore (HSA).
Adeyeye emphasised that these identified potent medicinal ingredients are not authorised in the implicated products and carry the potential for severe side effects on consumers.
She explained, “The HSA confirmed that four consumers experienced adverse effects after taking three of the products. Laboratory analysis conducted by HSA on the products revealed that they contain potent medicinal ingredients, including steroids. The products also contain sibutramine (a banned weight loss medicine) and tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction medicine.”
Among the adverse effects that may result from the potent ingredients in these products are dexamethasone and prednisolone, both of which are potent steroids typically prescribed for inflammatory conditions and should be administered under strict medical supervision. Prolonged, unsupervised use of steroids can lead to increased blood glucose levels, potentially causing diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, and muscular and bone disorders. Steroids also elevate the risk of infections and may result in Cushing’s syndrome, characterised by a round or ‘moon face’ appearance and upper body obesity with thin limbs. Abrupt discontinuation of steroids without proper medical oversight can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, confusion, and low blood pressure.
Adeyeye further highlighted the presence of Diclofenac in these products, a potent painkiller that could potentially cause severe gastric bleeding and cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes when used extensively. Diclofenac should only be used under close medical supervision, particularly for individuals with underlying heart conditions.
Sibutramine, another banned substance, is a weight-loss medication that has been prohibited in Singapore since 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. It may also lead to rapid heart rate and hallucinations, including hearing voices, which have been reported by individuals who consumed slimming products tainted with sibutramine.
Tadalafil, a prescription medication for erectile dysfunction, should only be used under medical supervision. Inappropriate use of tadalafil can escalate the risk of serious adverse effects, including heart attack, stroke, headache, migraine, irregular heart rate, and priapism (painful and prolonged erections). Tadalafil also poses significant risks to individuals, especially those on heart medications containing nitrates, potentially causing life-threatening low blood pressure.
Adeyeye concluded by issuing a stern warning to the public, emphasising that all these substances pose substantial risks to health and should be avoided at all costs.