NAFDAC raises alarm over circulation of fake augmentin

By JOY ADARA, Abuja –

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over the circulation of suspected counterfeit Augmentin 625mg Tabs in the country.

The regularly agency disclosed this on Monday in a statement titled ‘NAFDAC Alert And Sensitization Of The Public On Suspected Falsified Augmentin 625mg’.

NAFDAC noted that the product fell short of the labelling requirements.

It said: “the suspected falsified Augmentin which was manufactured in April 2021 would expire on April 2024. It also stated that the batch number of the falsified drug is 562626 with a NAFDAC registration number- 04-1928.

“The product failed short of the labeling requirements. No inscription “manufactured by” is written on the label -only the address,” the agency said.

“Manufacturing and expiry dates do not meet the acceptable format. No MAS scratch number for verification.

“The logo “gsk” is not properly positioned as on the original. The listed information indicates the product is falsified and counterfeited.

“In view of the above, NAFDAC has notified all its formations in the zones and 36 states of the federation including the FCT to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified Augmentin tablets.”

It added, “Please note that the genuine Augmentin 625mg has legible product labeling information including date markings – expiration and manufactured dates, batch number, and NAFDAC registration number.

“NAFDAC advise to wholesalers, distributors, and pharmacies is that medicines should be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers, increased vigilance is hereby encouraged within the supply chain to avoid infiltration of the falsified product. The products’ authenticity, physical condition, and labels should be carefully checked.

“NAFDAC implores healthcare providers to ensure vigilance to prevent the administration of falsified products to unsuspecting patients. Members of the public in possession of the above suspected counterfeit product are advised to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.”

Members of the public in possession of the above suspected counterfeit product are advised to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.