Fake Malaria Drugs in Circulation.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the circulation of fake Combiart dispersible tablets (20/120 mg).
These counterfeit tablets pose a significant threat to public health, as they do not comply with regulatory standards.
What are Combiart Dispersible Tablets.
Combiart Artemether/Lumefantrine 20mg/120mg Tablets are used for the treatment of uncomplicated cases of malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum in adults, children and infants of 5 kg and above.
It is a serious red blood cell infection transmitted through the bite of a mosquito.
Strides Arcolab Limited, an Indian-based pharmaceutical company manufactures Combiart dispersible tablets (20/120 mg).
The company specifically designs this product to treat Malaria.
However, counterfeiters have secretly produced a fake version of Combiart dispersible tablets.
Laboratory tests have revealed that this counterfeit product contains zero active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), rendering it ineffective and potentially harmful.
Furthermore, the counterfeit product has been found to bear two different date markings, a clear indication of its falsified nature.
The Dangers of Counterfeit Drugs.
Counterfeit or falsified medicines can have severe consequences on people’s health.
They often fail to effectively treat diseases or conditions, leading to serious health complications, including death.
NAFDAC’s Efforts to Combat Counterfeiting.
NAFDAC has taken proactive measures to combat the circulation of counterfeit medicines.
The agency’s officers from the post-marketing surveillance directorate discovered the counterfeit Combiart dispersible tablets in Nigeria.
The drugs discovered in two states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Rivers State.
NAFDAC has also directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products within their jurisdictions ¹.
NAFDAC’s Role in Protecting Public Health.
To protect public health, NAFDAC urges importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and remain vigilant throughout the supply chain.
This includes carefully checking the authenticity and physical condition of medical products and reporting any suspicions of counterfeit medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office.
How to Identify Counterfeit Combiart Dispersible Tablets.
To avoid purchasing counterfeit Combiart dispersible tablets, NAFDAC advises importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to be alert when purchasing.
Here are some key things to look out for:
Check the registration number: Ensure that the registration number on the product is correct and has not expired.
Verify the manufacturer: Confirm that the product is manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited in India.
Look for signs of tampering: Check the product for any signs of tampering, such as different date markings or missing labels.
Reporting Suspicious Activities relating to counterfeit drugs.
If you suspect that a product is counterfeit or falsified, report it to NAFDAC immediately ¹. You can contact NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
Key Takeaways.
Counterfeit Combiart dispersible tablets (20/120 mg) are in circulation.
These tablets pose a significant threat to public health.
NAFDAC has taken proactive measures to combat counterfeiting.
Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers must exercise caution and remain vigilant* ¹
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