NAFDAC Warns Against Substandard, Falsified Antimalarial and Antibiotic Drugs in Circulation

T The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert on the circulation of confirmed substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria.

The affected products are Artemetrin DS (Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets, 80mg/480mg), purportedly manufactured by A.C. Drugs Ltd, Enugu, and Ciprofit 500 (Ciprofloxacin Tablet USP 500mg), allegedly produced by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, also in Enugu.

According to NAFDAC, both medicines were initially subjected to Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis, which revealed irregularities. Further testing at a WHO-prequalified laboratory confirmed that Artemetrin DS contained only 59.2% Artemether and 71.2% Lumefantrine — far below the required 90–110% standard. Similarly, Ciprofit 500 was found to contain just 5.7% of Ciprofloxacin, compared to the expected 90–110%.

The agency noted that the products were purchased from a licensed wholesaler but do not exist on its registered products database. In addition, all NAFDAC registration numbers displayed on the packaging were discovered to be false.

Consumers, healthcare providers, and pharmacists have been advised to immediately stop the sale or use of the listed products and return any stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. Those who may have used the drugs and experienced adverse reactions are urged to seek medical attention without delay.

NAFDAC further encouraged the public to report suspicions of substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest office, call 0800-162-3322, or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.