Yemisi Izuora
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday alerted Nigerians to the circulation of falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets.
A statement by the Director-General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the agency was notified by the World Health Organisation of the circulation of the tablets in Cameroon.
Adeyeye said: “The falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets were manufactured by Jiangsu pharmaceutical Inc, Astral pharmaceutical New Bhupalpura, China.
“The tablets manufactured by these companies has no Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and are in packs of 1000 tablets.
“The use of the falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets may result in treatment failure and could even cause death.”
Adeyeye also said the information on the falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets manufactured by Jiangsu Pharmaceutical Inc. China is labelled with fake NAFDAC No: 028060.
She said: “The Astral pharmaceuticals, New Bhupalpura, China is labelled with fake NAFDAC registration No. 0587612 and advised the general public to be aware of this drug.
“All importers, wholesalers and retailers are hereby cautioned to desist from illegal importation, distribution and sale of falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets.
“NAFDAC has strengthened its surveillance in all ports of entry to prevent illegal importation of the falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets.
“The agency has also heightened surveillance in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to prevent distribution and sale of this falsified drug.
“Healthcare providers and other members of public are advised to be vigilant and contact the nearest NAFDAC office with any information on the falsified chloroquine.”
Adeyeye called on anybody in possession of the falsified chloroquine to submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office, advising consumers to report adverse events related with the use of the medicine or call the agency toll free lines: 0800-1-NAFDAC and 0800-1-623322.