The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public, especially healthcare providers, regarding the circulation one batch of fake Meronem 1g injection, which is an antibiotic used to treat skin and abdominal infections caused by meningitis and bacteria.
The public alert which was released on Tuesday and signed by the NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that Pfizer, the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH), reported the counterfeit batch.
The NAFDAC alert reads, “The batch number and expiry date match an authentic batch of Meronem 1g injection intended for distribution in the Egyptian market. The vial label compares favourably to the purported artwork version.
“The administration of the counterfeit product will pose a high risk to patients as the quality and safety are not guaranteed.
“Healthcare providers and patients are advised to obtain all medical products from authorized/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked before purchase and administration.
“All importers, wholesalers and retailers are implored to maintain vigilance within the supply chain and desist from illegal importation, distribution and sale of the counterfeit Meronem 1g injection and other counterfeit and substandard medicinal products.
“Anybody possessing the counterfeit product should stop using it and submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office. Seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional if you have used the product, or you suffered an adverse reaction/event having used the product.”
The public alert also urged all healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicious adverse drug reactions, or substandard and falsified drug to the closest NAFDAC office, via call 0800 162 3322 or email:
Adeyeye also advised that adverse side effects related to the use of medicine can be reported through E-reporting platforms on the NAFDAC website, www.nafdac.gov.ng or via email on
