Federal Government has raised the alarm over the circulation of fake malaria drug, warning citizens to beware following the discovery within the drug supply chains in the country.
This was contained in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Health.
The statement revealed that the ministry has discovered falsified versions of Quinine Sulphate which contain zero active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Mrs Boade Akinola, Director, Media and Public Relations of the ministry, who signed the statement, stated that the drugs were circulating in West and Central Africa.
Akinola said the two version of the drug were circulating in Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo, adding that the quinine Sulphate was used in the treatment of malaria.
She said the implication of using the falsified one is that it will not be effective and may also lead to other health challenges.
She specifically said that one of the fake products was named Quinine Sulfate 300 mg with 1000 Tablets per container, Batch Number 10H05, expiry date 09/2018 and it manufactured 09/2014, adding that the drug manufactured by Novadina Pharmaceutical Limited, London, United Kingdom was first discovered in Cameroon.
“The other version of the fake drug was Quinine Sulphate 300mg with 100 Tablets per container; batch F4387, expiry date 11/18 and its date of manufacture is 12/14,” she said.
“The product was manufactured in India by CAD Pharm, and it was discovered in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
The government advised Nigerians to be vigilant and report to the nearest National Agency for Food and Drug Administration, NAFDAC, office anywhere the drugs were spotted including hospitals and pharmaceutical shops.
