(Attached above are images of the suspected counterfeit Augmentin 625mg Tablets.)
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians and stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry on the detection of suspected counterfeit Augmentin 625mg tablets currently in circulation within the country.
The agency made this announcement via its official website, sensitizing consumers, wholesalers, distributors, and pharmacies, on the labeling failure of the suspected brand.
It stated that the counterfeit Augmentin fell short of labeling requirement, while the authentic brand has the batch number, NAFDAC registration number, and date markers, such as the manufacturing and expiration dates, clearly visible on the label.
On the substandard product, according to the agency, “only the location is stated on the label, there is no “made by” remark; Expiry and Manufacturing dates don't follow the proper format; there is no MAS scratch number to verify; The “gsk” logo is not placed correctly as it was in the original”.
Sequel to this development, NAFDAC has informed all of its formations in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT to conduct surveillance and seize the counterfeit Augmentin pills.
Healthcare professionals are urged by NAFDAC to use caution to avoid giving fake medications to unknowing patients. The general population is asked to stop selling or using the aforementioned suspected counterfeit goods and to surrender any stock they may have to the nearest NAFDAC office.
To prevent the circulation of the fake product, NAFDAC has advised wholesalers, distributors, and pharmacies to only purchase medications from authorized/licensed vendors. Increased monitoring is consequently advised across the supply chain. The items' physical integrity, labelling, and legitimacy should all be thoroughly examined.
The agency also called on Nigerians to send any information relating to the distribution, sale, or use of the counterfeit Augmentin product to the NAFDAC office that is most convenient for the public and healthcare professionals.
