NAFDAC alerts Nigerians on sale of counterfeit Paudex tablets

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has issued a warning regarding the sale and distribution of counterfeit Paludex tablets and suspensions throughout Nigeria.

In a statement on its X handle, NAFDAC reported that the Paludex Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets, 80mg/480mg, are manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, located at No. 33A/33B Standard Industrial Layout, Emene, Enugu State.

The counterfeit drugs are being marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd, also based in the Emene Industrial Layout of Enugu State.

The statement further revealed that NAFDAC has identified a Paludex, Artemether/Lumefantrine, dry powder for oral suspension (180mg/1080mg) intended for pediatric use in circulation.

NAFDAC also conducted its own sampling of the products, confirming the absence of API contents in the reports.

They found that the products are not listed in NAFDAC’s registered product database, and all registration numbers displayed on the products are fraudulent.

The agency also clarified that genuine Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets or suspensions combine the two medications used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria in both adults and children.

“The illegal marketing of medicines or counterfeit medicines poses a great risk to the health of people,” NAFDAC stated.

The agency further instructed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove the counterfeit products from their respective zones.