NAFDAC raises alarm over illegal distribution of substandard Asian Ampicillin /Cloxacillin
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm about the illicit marketing and selling of an inferior and counterfeit Asian Ampicillin/Cloxacillin oral suspension in Kano State.
According to a press statement by the agency, regulatory officers in Kano State conducted extensive surveillance and intelligence, resulting in the discovery of around 2,460 bottles of this substance in six different businesses.
“The Substandard and falsified product has a fake NAFDAC Registration Number (NRN): A4-8255 which is the registration number of another NAFDAC registered product Zarcef-S 1500, a brand of Ceftriaxone Sodium 1g and Sulbactam 500mg injection registered by Shrezar Healthcare Nigeria Limited.
“AMPICILLIN+CLOXACILLIN is composed of two antibiotics, namely: ampicillin and cloxacillin. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, bones, lungs, and post-operative wound infections. It is also used to treat urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhoea and infections of the stomach or intestine,” the statement read.
The agency added that people’s health is in danger when medications are marketed illegally or as counterfeit goods since the items’ efficacy, quality, and safety cannot be assured when laws are broken.
All NAFDAC state coordinators and zonal directors have been directed to conduct surveillance and remove any subpar or fabricated products inside their states and zones.
NAFDAC advised all importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare providers, and caregivers to remain vigilant and cautious along the supply chain to prevent the entry, usage, distribution, and sale of inferior and counterfeit goods. It emphasized that it is mandatory to procure all medical supplies from licensed and recognized vendors and carefully inspect the products’ physical condition and validity.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng,” the statement concluded.
Product details
The details of the product are as follows;
Product Name: Asian Ampicillin /Cloxacillin oral suspension
Batch Number: 001
Manufacturing date: 03/2024
Expiry date: 02/2027
Stated NRN: A4-8255
Name and Address of Manufacturer: Asian Pharmaceutical Ltd. 18/20 Burma Road, P.O. Box 1822, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria.
Please note that the above NRN (NAFDAC Registration Number) is falsified.
