The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Monday alerted Nigerians on the circulation of falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets.
In a statement the Director-General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said the NAFDAC was notified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) of the circulation of the tablets in Cameroon.
According to Prof Mojisola,
“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,” she warned.
She also added that the labelling information on the falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets manufactured by Jiangsu pharmaceutical Inc, China is labelled with fake NAFDAC No.: 028060.
“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 the falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets.
The agency has strengthened its surveillance in all ports of entry in the 36 states to prevent illegal importation , distribution and sales of the falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets.
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. Consumers are advised 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.