The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a critical warning about the distribution of counterfeit Paludex (Artemether/Lumefantrine) tablets and suspensions across Nigeria.
According to a statement released on its official website on Wednesday, NAFDAC disclosed that laboratory tests conducted at a WHO-prequalified facility in Germany revealed that the counterfeit Paludex products contain no trace of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). NAFDAC’s independent analysis yielded similar results, confirming the complete absence of any therapeutic substances in the medications.
The fake Paludex products in question include:
- Tablets (80mg/480mg), falsely labeled as manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, Emene-Enugu, and marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd, Enugu.
- Dry powder for oral suspension (180mg/1080mg) for pediatric use, falsely attributed to Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, Enugu, and Ecomed Pharma Ltd, Ogun State.
NAFDAC clarified that these products are not registered in its database and bear fraudulent registration numbers.
“Genuine Artemether/Lumefantrine products are vital for treating acute, uncomplicated malaria,” NAFDAC stated. “The circulation of counterfeit medicines jeopardizes public health and can lead to treatment failure, particularly for pediatric patients.”
The agency has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious pharmaceutical products to the appropriate authorities.
