The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has warned the public about the sale and distribution of counterfeit Paludex tablets and suspensions throughout Nigeria.
NAFDAC stated on Wednesday via its X handle that the Paludex Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets (80mg/480mg) were manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, No. 33A/33B Standard Industrial Layout Emene, Enugu State.
It stated that the counterfeit pharmaceuticals were promoted by MD Life Sciences Ltd, Emene Industrial Layout, also in Enugu State.
According to the statement, NAFDAC discovered a Paludex (Artemether/Lumefantrine) dry powder for oral suspension (180mg/1080mg) intended for paediatric usage in circulation.
NAFDAC stated that laboratory investigation of both items by a WHO-prequalified laboratory in Germany revealed the presence of zero percent ‘Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient’ (API) in the products.
It stated that the agency also sampled the same products, and the analysis reports revealed zero percent API content.
According to the statement, the goods do not appear in the NAFDAC registered product database, and all NAFDAC registration numbers listed on the products are incorrect.
It was highlighted that genuine Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets or suspension were a mix of the two drugs Artemether and Lumefantrine, which are used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria in adults and children.
“The illegal marketing of medicines or counterfeit medicines poses a great risk to the health of people.