NAFDAC Warns Nigerians About Sale of Counterfeit Paudex Tablets

NAFDAC Warns Nigerians About Sale of Counterfeit Paudex Tablets

By Fly Cable News

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an alert regarding the sale and distribution of counterfeit Paudex tablets and suspensions across Nigeria.

In a statement on its X handle (formerly Twitter), NAFDAC revealed that the counterfeit Paudex Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets (80mg/480mg) are produced by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd in Enugu State. These fake drugs are being marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd, also located in Enugu State.

NAFDAC also reported finding a counterfeit version of the Paudex Artemether/Lumefantrine dry powder suspension (180mg/1080mg) intended for pediatric use. This product is manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd and Ecomed Pharma Limited in Ogun State, and marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd.

Laboratory analyses of both products, conducted by a WHO-prequalified laboratory in Germany, showed that they contained no active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). NAFDAC’s own analysis also confirmed the absence of APIs. Furthermore, these products are not listed in NAFDAC’s registered product database, and all registration numbers on the packaging are fraudulent.

Genuine Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets and suspensions are used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria in both adults and children. Counterfeit medicines pose significant health risks, including treatment failure, especially when the API content is below the required dosage.

NAFDAC has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to monitor and remove these counterfeit products from circulation. The agency urges distributors, healthcare providers, and patients to be cautious in the supply chain to avoid distributing or using these substandard products.

NAFDAC advises that all medical products should be sourced from authorized suppliers and that their authenticity and physical condition should be thoroughly checked. Anyone with these counterfeit products should immediately stop selling or using them and report to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Consumers who have used these products are urged to seek prompt medical attention from a qualified healthcare provider. Any suspicions of counterfeit or substandard medicines should be reported to NAFDAC at 0800-162-3322 or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.