The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert over the circulation of counterfeit Combiart Dispersible Tablet 20/120mg in Nigeria.
According to NAFDAC, the counterfeit product was discovered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Rivers State during surveillance activities.
The laboratory analysis of the product revealed that it contained zero active pharmaceutical ingredients, and it also had two different date markings.
Furthermore, the product’s license has expired, and the NAFDAC registration number on it is incorrect.
The Combiart Dispersible Tablet 20/120mg is an antimalarial drug used to treat malaria, but it is not used to treat severe or complicated malaria. NAFDAC warned that counterfeit medicines pose significant risks to health, as they do not meet regulatory standards, and their safety, quality, and efficacy cannot be assured.
NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove the counterfeit products from circulation.
The agency has also urged importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products.
Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office or via the NAFDAC hotline at 0800-162-3322 or email at [email protected].
