NAFDAC Alerts Public On Circulation Of Fake Anti-Malarial Drug ‘Cikatem’ Suspension.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the circulation of a falsified anti-malarial medication, ‘Cikatem’ suspension, discovered in Kano State.
The counterfeit drug, identified as Cikatem (Artemether 180mg/Lumefantrine 1080mg) suspension, was uncovered at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Kano following a consumer complaint. NAFDAC’s Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) officers conducted an investigation that led to this discovery. The falsified product bore the NAFDAC Registration Number A11-100025, which is officially assigned to Cikatem Tablet 20/120mg, not the suspension formulation, indicating a clear discrepancy.
In response, NAFDAC has seized over 17,280 bottles of the counterfeit Cikatem suspension from the manufacturing facility, with plans for their destruction to prevent further distribution. The agency has intensified surveillance efforts to identify and remove any remaining falsified products from the market.
Counterfeit medications pose significant health risks, as they often fail to effectively treat diseases, potentially leading to severe health consequences or death. The use of ineffective anti-malarial drugs can result in treatment failure and contribute to the development of drug-resistant strains of malaria. citeturn0search0
Product Details:
– Product Name: Cikatem Suspension (Artemether 180mg/Lumefantrine 1080mg)
– Batch Number: ALS063
– Manufacturing Date: October 2024
– Expiry Date: September 2027
– NAFDAC Registration Number: NRN A11-100025
– Manufacturer: Michelle Laboratories.
– Manufacturer Address: Plot 23, Block 2, Thinkers Corner Industrial Layout, P.O. Box 2709, Enugu, Nigeria.
NAFDAC advises distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the distribution and use of counterfeit products. All medical products should be obtained from authorised and licensed suppliers, with careful inspection of their authenticity and physical condition.
Consumers and healthcare providers are encouraged to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office or contact NAFDAC via phone at 0800-162-3322 or email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. Adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products can also be reported through the Med-Safety application, available for download on Android and iOS platforms, or via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC remains committed to safeguarding public health by ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines available in Nigeria.
