The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning regarding the circulation of fake Paludex tablets and suspensions throughout Nigeria.
The agency conducted tests on these products and discovered that they contain zero percent active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Furthermore, these products are absent from NAFDAC’s official registered product database, and all registration numbers on these items are fraudulent.
NAFDAC emphasized that authentic Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets or suspensions are a combination of these two medications, which are commonly used to treat uncomplicated malaria in both adults and children.
“The illegal sale of medicines, particularly counterfeit therapies, greatly endangers public health. Noncompliance with regulatory standards means that the safety, quality, and effectiveness of these products cannot be guaranteed,” the agency stated.
The organization also highlighted the risks associated with substandard pediatric formulations, which could lead to treatment failures due to insufficient API content.
In response to this issue, NAFDAC has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to enhance surveillance efforts and remove counterfeit products from the market.
The agency urged distributors, healthcare professionals, and patients to remain vigilant throughout the supply chain to prevent the distribution, administration, and use of these counterfeit products.
NAFDAC advised that all medical products should be purchased from authorized and licensed suppliers, and it is crucial to verify the authenticity and condition of the products.
Individuals in possession of fake Paludex products are strongly encouraged to stop selling or using them immediately and to report their stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
