FG Raises Alarm Over Fake Malaria Drug In Circulation

An alarm has been raised by the Federal Government over a fake malaria drugs in circulation and has warned Nigerians to be careful of them.

The government said it has confirmed two falsified versions of Quinine Sulphate being sold in the market, which contain zero active pharmaceutical ingredients.

A statement by the Federal Ministry of Health and signed by its Director, Media and Public Relations, Mrs Boade Akinola, revealed that the drugs were circulating in West and Central African countries.

Mrs Akinola revealed that the two version of the drug were circulating in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She said 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.

Mrs Akinola added that the drug manufactured by Novadina Pharmaceutical Limited, London, United Kingdom was first was discovered in Cameroon.

The director said 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 explained that 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.

The ministry urges Nigerians to also report it the following GSM no +234-8037881120, +234-8055056727 and +234-8035902679.

“If you are in possession of these products, please do not use them. “If you have taken this falsified product or if you suffer an adverse effect following its uptake, please seek immediate advice from a qualified healthcare professional and report the incident to NAFDAC,” the statement said.