Nigeria warns of fake diabetes drug in circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding suspected counterfeit versions of the diabetes medication Forxiga (dapagliflozin) being sold in Nigeria. The agency warned that these fake drugs could lead to severe health complications for unsuspecting patients.

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Counterfeit medicines may contain incorrect ingredients, the wrong dosage strength, harmful contaminants, or may not contain the stated active ingredient.

AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical company behind the genuine Forxiga, alerted NAFDAC after identifying products that closely resemble its brand identity and logo. These counterfeit medicines may contain incorrect ingredients, wrong dosages, or harmful contaminants, potentially leading to treatment failure or worsening of underlying medical conditions.

NAFDAC confirmed that the suspected counterfeit products were found in Eastern Nigeria. One imitation, labeled "Forzigar," bears batch number ATE-262 and lists Alliaance Biotech as the manufacturer. Another, named "Foziga," has batch number GIB405- and lists Medico Remedies Ltd as the manufacturer. The authentic product is marketed as Forxiga® (dapagliflozin) and is manufactured by AstraZeneca.

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Use of such products may result in treatment failure, worsening of the underlying medical condition, adverse health consequences, or other serious risks to patient safety.

The agency has initiated an investigation into the origin and distribution network of these counterfeit drugs. NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and actively remove any suspected fake medicines from circulation. Consumers and healthcare professionals are urged to purchase medications exclusively from licensed pharmacies and authorized distributors, and to meticulously check product labels and packaging.

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NAFDAC is investigating the distribution and source of the suspected counterfeit products. All zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to conduct surveillance and mop-up activities to identify and remove any counterfeit product from circulation in Nigeria.