Alert: Suspected Fake Asthma Drug in Circulation — NAFDAC

The public has been alerted to a suspected fake asthma drug circulating in the market by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), warning that the counterfeit product poses severe safety risks to patients.

The drug, marketed under the name “Ulmicort 0.5 mg/ml Inhalation Suspension,” was uncovered during routine market monitoring by pharmaceutical manufacturer AstraZeneca.

NAFDAC noted that the counterfeit medication closely mimics AstraZeneca’s genuine, approved asthma drug, Pulmicort® (Budesonide), making it dangerously easy for patients and healthcare professionals to mistake it for the authentic produc

Pulmicort is commonly prescribed to help people with asthma keep their symptoms under control and prevent attacks.

NAFDAC said the suspected fake medicine may not contain the right ingredients or any active ingredient at all.

Like many counterfeit medicines, it could also contain harmful substances or incorrect doses, making it ineffective or even dangerous for patients who rely on it to manage respiratory conditions.

The agency identified the product as Ulmicort 0.5 mg/ml Inhalation Suspension, batch number 25770416E, with a manufacturing date of June 2025 and an expiry date of May 2027.

It is labelled as being manufactured by Legency Remedies PVT Ltd in India and was traced to a distributor in Awada, Obosi North, Anambra State.

NAFDAC said it has launched an investigation into how the product entered the Nigerian market and has directed its officials across the country to search for and remove any suspected counterfeit packs from circulation.

The agency advised consumers to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorised distributors and to carefully inspect product packaging before use.

It also urged healthcare professionals and members of the public to report any suspected counterfeit medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its dedicated reporting channels.

For patients using inhaled asthma medication, the agency said any unusual reaction or concerns about the authenticity of a product should be reported immediately and medical advice sought without delay.