NAFDAC warns of fake anti-malaria drugs in circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm over the circulation of counterfeit Cikatem (Artemether 180mg/Lumefantrine 1080mg) suspension in Nigeria. In a post on its X handle on Thursday, NAFDAC said the falsified drug was discovered at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Kano State following a consumer […]

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm over the circulation of counterfeit Cikatem (Artemether 180mg/Lumefantrine 1080mg) suspension in Nigeria.

In a post on its X handle on Thursday, NAFDAC said the falsified drug was discovered at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Kano State following a consumer complaint that triggered an investigation.

NAFDAC said, “All the falsified Cikatem (Artemether 180mg/Lumefantrine 1080mg) suspension discovered during the investigation has been mopped up and surveillance by the PMS Directorate is still ongoing.

“The product was observed to have a discrepancy on the product packaging with NAFDAC Registration Number (A11-100025) printed on the label, which belonged to Cikatem Tablet 20/120mg, and not the suspension formulation.”

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The agency said during an inspection of the manufacturing facility, 17,280 bottles of the suspected counterfeit product were seized and are set to be destroyed.

The falsified product is indicated for the treatment of malaria in children, including severe cases caused by all forms of Plasmodium.

The agency urged both consumers and healthcare professionals to stay alert and report any suspected sale of substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office.