Health Alarm! Nigeria’s Drug Regulator takes drastic action against over 100 medications, including popular malaria and diabetes treatments, warning citizens to stop using the affected products now.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a major public health alert, announcing the immediate withdrawal, suspension, and cancellation of 101 pharmaceutical products across Nigeria.
The Agency confirmed that the medicines are no longer safe or permitted for manufacture, importation, sale, or use anywhere in the country. This strong measure is NAFDAC’s latest effort to stop the circulation of drugs that are either substandard, falsified, or no longer meet the country’s strict quality and safety standards.
The regulator is strongly advising all Nigerians, including those in the Niger Delta, to check their homes and local pharmacies to ensure they do not possess any of the banned products.
What You Need to Know About the Ban
The list of banned products is wide-ranging and includes some drugs widely used to treat common illnesses.
This major intervention by NAFDAC affects critical categories of medicines, such as:
- Anti-Malaria Drugs: Several brands of essential malaria treatments, including various formulations of Artemether/Lumefantrine and Artesunate Amodiaquine (ASAQ).
- Cardiovascular Drugs: Medications used for managing conditions like high blood pressure, such as certain Valsartan and Amlodipine products.
- Diabetes Treatments: Popular medicines for diabetes, including various formulations of Amaryl and Januvia/Janumet tablets.
- Other Essential Products: The ban also extends to specific injectable medications (like insulin/growth hormones), inhalers, eye drops, and other antibiotics.
The products belong to both local and international pharmaceutical companies, including well-known names like Sanofi Aventis Nigeria Ltd, Novartis Nigeria Limited, and Bayer East Africa Limited.
What to Do Next
NAFDAC has clarified that a product is either withdrawn (if the company requests it), suspended (if the conditions of approval are no longer met), or cancelled (if the licence is revoked entirely due to severe non-compliance).
This action reflects the seriousness of the fight against fake and unapproved drugs, which do not work and can harm or even kill people.
Urgent Advice for Citizens:
- Stop Use Immediately: If you are currently taking any medication that is found on the official NAFDAC list, you must stop using it immediately and consult your doctor or pharmacist for a safe alternative.
- Verify Your Drugs: Always purchase medicines only from licensed, registered pharmacies. You should check the NAFDAC registration number on the product against the online verification portal on the NAFDAC website to ensure it is legitimate.
- Report Suspicion: If you notice any suspicious product being sold in your area, you must report it immediately to the nearest NAFDAC office to help the Agency protect public health.
