NAFDAC Intercepts Fake Antibiotic, Warns Public Against Product Use

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning regarding the sale of a falsified version of OHEAL Ampicillin and Cloxacillin capsules. The fake antibiotic was discovered and intercepted in Onitsha, Anambra State, through the efforts of NAFDAC officials in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, NAFDAC highlighted that genuine Ampicillin/Cloxacillin is a crucial antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections in the lungs, throat, airway, and skin. The agency stressed that these antibiotics function by inhibiting bacterial growth and thereby killing the infection-causing bacteria.

“Though this falsified product was identified in Onitsha, it may likely have been distributed to other parts of the country through informal markets. Consequently, it is important to identify and remove it from circulation to prevent harm to patients,” NAFDAC stated.

NAFDAC has called on importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare providers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and administration of falsified or substandard medicinal products. The agency also emphasized the importance of sourcing medical products from authorized and licensed suppliers and thoroughly checking the authenticity and physical condition of these products.

The public is advised to discontinue the sale or use of the falsified OHEAL Ampicillin and Cloxacillin capsules and to submit any stock to NAFDAC.