The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an alert regarding the sale and distribution of counterfeit Paludex tablets and oral suspensions in Nigeria.

In a statement shared on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, NAFDAC identified the counterfeit drugs as Paludex Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets (80mg/480mg) and a pediatric Paludex dry powder for oral suspension (180mg/1080mg).

https://x.com/NafdacAgency/status/1869320772063478224?t=FnQkjtf3qlVhj6je3k7U8w&s=09

Both products were said to be manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, based at No. 33A/33B Standard Industrial Layout, Emene, Enugu State, and marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd, also in Enugu.

Laboratory analysis conducted by a WHO-certified laboratory in Germany revealed that these products contained zero percent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API).

Further testing by NAFDAC confirmed the same result, indicating the products lack the necessary components for treating malaria.

NAFDAC also noted that the products are not registered in its database, and the NAFDAC registration numbers displayed on their packaging are fake.

Genuine Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets and suspensions are used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria in adults and children.

However, NAFDAC cautioned that poor-quality or counterfeit formulations, especially for pediatric use, can lead to treatment failure and pose significant health risks.

“The illegal marketing of medicines or counterfeit medicines poses a great risk to public health,” the agency stated.

“Non-compliance with regulatory provisions compromises the safety, quality, and efficacy of these products.”

In response, NAFDAC has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove the fake products from circulation.

The agency urged distributors, healthcare providers, and consumers to remain vigilant and ensure all medicines are sourced from licensed suppliers.

The public has been advised to inspect the authenticity and physical condition of medical products carefully. Individuals in possession of the