By Emegwoako C. Paschal
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a warning about the possible distribution of counterfeit Augmentin 625mg Tabs in the country.
The product, according to NAFDAC, fell short of the labeling requirements.
The alert, titled ‘NAFDAC Alert And Sensitization Of The Public On Suspected Falsified Augmentin 625mg’ and signed by NAFDAC management, was obtained from the agency’s website.
The suspected falsified Augmentin, manufactured in April 2021, will expire in April 2024, according to NAFDAC.
It was also noted that the falsified drug’s batch number is 562626, with a NAFDAC registration number of 04-1928.
“The product fell short of the labeling requirements,” it stated. Only the address is written on the label, with no “manufactured by” inscription.
“The manufacturing and expiration dates do not conform to the acceptable format.” There was no MAS scratch number for verification.
“The “gsk” logo is not properly positioned as it was on the original. The information provided indicates that the product has been falsified and counterfeited.
“In light of the foregoing, NAFDAC has notified all of its formations in the zones and the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT, to conduct surveillance and seize the counterfeit Augmentin tablets.”
“Please keep in mind that the genuine Augmentin 625mg has legible product labeling information, including date markings – expiration and manufactured dates, batch number, and NAFDAC registration number,” it added.
“NAFDAC advises wholesalers, distributors, and pharmacies that medicines should be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers, and that increased vigilance within the supply chain is hereby encouraged to avoid infiltration of the falsified product.” The authenticity, physical condition, and labels of the products should all be carefully examined.
“NAFDAC urges healthcare providers to be vigilant in order to avoid the aadministration of tainted products to unsuspecting patients.” Members of the public who have the above-mentioned suspected counterfeit product should stop selling or using it and report it to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“Any information concerning the distribution, sale, or use of the falsified Augmentin product should be reported to the nearest NAFDAC office by healthcare providers and the general public.” Report any suspected adverse drug reactions, as well as substandard or falsified medicines, to NAFDAC at 0800-162-3322 or [email protected].”
