By John Ogunsemore
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over fake Cikatem (Artemether 180mg/Lumefantrine 1080mg) suspension in circulation.
In a public alert published on its website on Thursday, the agency said the fake product comes with falsified NAFDAC Registration Number NRN A11-100025.
NAFDAC disclosed that the product was discovered at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Kano following a consumer complaint investigated by the agency.
It said the product is manufactured by Michelle Laboratories located at Plot 23, Block 2, Thinkers Corner Industrial Layout P.O. Box 2709, Enugu, Nigeria.
“All the falsified Cikatem (Artemether 180mg/Lumefantrine 1080mg) suspension discovered during the investigation has been mopped up and surveillance is ongoing,” the agency said.
It added, “The product was observed to have a discrepancy on the packaging with NAFDAC Registration Number (A11-100025) printed on the label, which belonged to Cikatem Tablet 20/120mg, and not the suspension formulation.
The agency said it visited the manufacturing facility, during which 17,280 bottles of Cikatem (Artemether 180mg/Lumefantrine 1080mg) suspension were placed on hold and are scheduled for destruction.
The agency noted that
ARTEMETHER+LUMEFANTRINE FOR ORAL SUSPENSION is indicated for the treatment of malaria in children caused by all forms of plasmodium including severe malaria.
It explained that counterfeit or falsified medicines endanger people’s health because they do not comply with regulatory standards, which means the safety, quality, and efficacy of these products are not ensured.
The agency further warned that the use of counterfeit medicines often fails to effectively treat diseases or conditions, leading to serious health consequences, including death.
“All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products within the zones and states.
“Distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products,” the agency stated.