NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians To Counterfeit Anti-Malaria Tablets, Suspensions In Market

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the Nigerian public about counterfeit Paludex tablets and suspensions currently circulating in the market.

NAFDAC in a tweet on its verified X account on Wednesday stated that laboratory tests on the products, conducted by a WHO-prequalified lab in Germany, revealed that both the tablets and suspensions contained no Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API).

The Paludex tablets (80mg/480mg) are labelled as manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd and marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd, both based in Enugu State. Similarly, the Paludex suspension for paediatric use (180mg/1080mg) is labelled as manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd and Ecomed Pharma Ltd, also marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd.

“These products do not exist on the NAFDAC registered product database and the NAFDAC registration numbers stated on the products are false,” the agency stated.

NAFDAC also emphasised that these counterfeit anti-malaria drugs pose a significant health risk, particularly to children, as they may cause treatment failure due to inadequate API content.

The agency has instructed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove the counterfeit products from circulation. NAFDAC urged healthcare providers, distributors, and patients to exercise caution when sourcing medical products.

“Anyone in possession of the counterfeit products is advised to immediately discontinue their sale or use and submit the stock to the nearest NAFDAC office,” the agency added. NAFDAC also encouraged anyone who has used the product, or witnessed adverse effects from its use, to consult a healthcare professional.