SAN FRANCISCO, August 21, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has warned citizens to beware following the discovery fake malaria drugs in circulation within the drug supply chains in the country.
A statement by the Federal Ministry of Health revealed that the ministry has discovered falsified versions of Quinine Sulphate which contain zero active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The statement signed by Mrs Boade Akinola, Director, Media and Public Relations of the ministry, added that the drugs were circulating in West and Central Africa.
Akinola specifically revealed that the the two version of the drug were circulating in Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo saying the quinine Sulphate was used in the treatment of malaria.
According to her, the implication of using the falsified one is that it will not be effective and may also lead to other health challenges.
She said one of the fake products was named Quinine Sulfate 300 mg with 1000 Tablets per container, Batch Number 10H05, expiry date 09/2018 and it manufactured 09/2014.
She added that the drug manufactured by Novadina Pharmaceutical Limited, London, United Kingdom was first discovered in Cameroon.
“The other version of the fake drug was Quinine Sulphate 300mg with 100 Tablets per container; batch F4387, expiry date 11/18 and its date of manufacture is 12/14,” she said.
“The product was manufactured in India by CAD Pharm, and it was discovered in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
She advised Nigerians to be vigilant and report to the nearest National Agency for Food and Drug Administration office anywhere the drugs were spotted including hospitals and pharmaceutical shops.
Story by David Oputah
