NAFDAC Warns Nigerians About Circulation of Fake Combiart Antimalarial Tablets

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an alert regarding the circulation of counterfeit Combiart dispersible tablets (20/120 mg) in Nigeria. Combiart, a combination of artemether and lumefantrine, is widely used for malaria treatment.

According to a NAFDAC statement, the fake tablets were identified during a post-marketing surveillance operation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Rivers State. Laboratory analysis revealed that the counterfeit tablets contained no active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and featured inconsistencies in date markings. Additionally, the NAFDAC database confirmed that the product’s license had expired, and the registration number on the packaging was invalid.

NAFDAC warned that counterfeit or falsified medicines pose significant health risks, as they fail to meet regulatory standards for safety, quality, and efficacy. The agency noted that using such medicines could lead to ineffective treatment, severe health consequences, and even death. Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid distributing or using counterfeit products.

In a related development, NAFDAC’s enforcement team uncovered a significant cache of counterfeit pharmaceuticals during a raid at Tyre Village, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos. The seized items included fake amoxicillin 500 mg, ampiclox capsules 500 mg, and packaging materials for Augmentin capsules 625 mg.

NAFDAC reported that the facility housing the counterfeit medicines has been sealed off, and the products—estimated to be worth over N300 million—were confiscated. These falsified drugs pose severe health risks, including treatment failures, organ damage, and potential carcinogenic effects due to their unknown compositions.

The agency confirmed that a suspect has been invited for questioning, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.