The Nigerian Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued warnings to the populace following the detection of counterfeit Paracetamol injections. These alerts come in the wake of an extensive monitoring operation conducted by NAFDAC’s post-marketing surveillance (PMS) team in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
During the operation, notable revelations surfaced regarding the authenticity of Paracetamol injections circulating within the market. Subsequent to this discovery, the NAFDAC Laboratory in Kaduna conducted a comprehensive laboratory analysis of the counterfeit product to ascertain its chemical composition.
Astoundingly, the laboratory analysis disclosed that the product exclusively contained paracetamol, a stark contrast to its labeled formulation as an Aminoglycoside Antibacterial. Aminoglycosides, renowned antibiotics, are typically administered to combat stubborn bacterial infections.
The disparity between the labeled formulation and the actual contents of the counterfeit Paracetamol injections raises grave concerns regarding public health and safety. Misrepresentation of pharmaceutical products poses potential hazards to unsuspecting consumers who rely on the accuracy of medication labels.
NAFDAC’s prompt issuance of alerts to the Nigerian populace underscores its dedication to safeguarding the health and welfare of the citizenry. By disseminating information about the presence of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, the Agency aims to avert potential harm and ensure that consumers are empowered to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.
The discovery of counterfeit Paracetamol injections underscores the necessity of stringent regulatory protocols and continuous surveillance of pharmaceutical commodities in the marketplace. NAFDAC remains unwavering in its commitment to identifying and curtailing the proliferation of substandard and falsified medicines nationwide.
Consumers are implored to exercise prudence and diligence when procuring pharmaceutical products, particularly injections and other vital medications. It is imperative to validate the authenticity of medications and seek guidance from healthcare professionals if uncertainties or apprehensions arise regarding product quality and safety.
NAFDAC encourages members of the public to promptly report any suspicious or counterfeit pharmaceutical products to the Agency for thorough investigation and appropriate remedial action. Through collaborative efforts with regulatory bodies and the community, we can combat the dissemination of counterfeit drugs and uphold public health standards in Nigeria.
