NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to fake antibiotics in circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians about fake Augmentin 625mg tablets currently in circulation in the country.

According to a statement released by NAFDAC on Monday, the falsified antibiotics has the batch no. 562626, a manufacturing date of April 2021 and expiry date of April 2024 as well as a fake NAFDAC registration no. of 04-1928.

The health agency noted that original Augmentin 625mg has legible product labeling information including date markings, expiration and manufactured dates, batch number and NAFDAC registration number.

The statement reads: “No inscription “manufactured by” is written on the label, only the address. Manufacturing and Expiry dates do not meet the acceptable format. No MAS scratch number for verification. The logo “gsk” is not properly positioned as on the original.

“Please note that the genuine Augmentin 625mg has legible product labeling information including date markings – expiration and manufactured dates, batch number and NAFDAC registration number.

“NAFDAC’s advice to wholesalers, distributors and pharmacies is that medicines should be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers.

“Increased vigilance is hereby encouraged within the supply chain to avoid infiltration of the falsified product. The products’ authenticity, physical condition and labels should be carefully checked.

“NAFDAC implores healthcare providers to ensure vigilance to prevent the administration of the falsified products on unsuspecting patients.”

The agency advised members of the public in possession of the above suspected counterfeit product to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“Healthcare providers and the public should notify the nearest NAFDAC office of any information concerning the distribution, sale, and use of the falsified version of the Augmentin product.”