Alert: NAFDAC Warns Public Against Fake Coartem Malaria Drugs In Circulation

NAFDAC alerts public over counterfeit malaria drugs.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public over the circulation of fake anti malaria tablets, Coartem, in the country.

The agency, in a series of tweets via its Twitter handle, @NafdacNigeria, wrote:

“NAFDAC hereby alerts members of the public on the circulation of fake Coartem tablets. The active ingredients on the sachet of the fake Coartem tablets are written as ARTMETHE/UMFANTRNE while the manufacturer is written as NOVRTS.

“Note that the manufacturer of the genuine Coartem tablets registered by @NafdacAgency is NORVATIS PHARMA AG @Novartis while the active ingredients are ARTEMETHER/LUMIFANTRINE.

“The use of the fake Coartem tablets may result in poisoning (due to toxic substances), treatment failure, development of resistance and even death.

“NAFDAC implores healthcare providers, proprietors of healthcare facilities, program managers and other members of the public in possession of the fake Coartem tablets to immediately submit the fake product to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The agency called on health care personnel and other members of the public in possession of the fake drugs to submit them immediately to nearest NAFDAC office.

“NAFDAC implores healthcare providers, proprietors of healthcare facilities, program managers and other members of the public in possession of the fake Coartem tablets to immediately submit the fake product to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“Adverse events resulting from the consumption of the product should be reported to the nearest NAFDAC office or text 20543 PRASCOR (Pharmacovigilance Rapid Alert System for Consumer Reporting TOLL FREE from all networks) or e-mail [email protected]. #NafdacALERTS,” the agency said.