Nigerian Government on Saturday said it has received a Medical alert on the recent circulation of two confirmed falsified versions of Quinine Sulphate in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, containing zero active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The red alert was contained in a statement by Mrs Boade Akinola, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja.
She said Quinine Sulphate is used for the treatment of Falciparum Malaria in the region and this implies that the falsified drugs will not be effective and may lead to other health challenges.
The Quinine Sulfate 300mg (1000) was discovered in Cameroon, while Quinine Sulfate 300mg (100) was discovered in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“These products, which were initially discovered by a local NGO, failed the preliminary field screening and were submitted to a WHO pre-qualified Quality Assurance laboratory. Subsequent analysis showed that neither product contained any of the stated active pharmaceutical ingredients.
“Members of the public are advised to be vigilant and report to the nearest office of The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) if the drugs are spotted anywhere including hospitals and pharmaceutical shops.
“Also, if you are in possession of these products, please do not use them. If you have taken this falsified product, or if you suffer an adverse event following its uptake, please seek immediate advice from a qualified healthcare professional, and report the incident to NAFDAC .
“The Nigerian government has stepped up vigilance within the drug supply chains in the country.”
The numbers to contact are:
+234-8037881120
+234-8055o56727
+234-8035902679
Details of the product are shown below.
1) Product Name
Quinine Sulfate 300 mg
Number of Tablets per container
1000
Batch Number
10H05
Expiry Date
09/2018
Date of manufacture
09/2014
Manufacturer
Novadina Pharmaceutical Ltd, London, United Kingdom.
2) Product Name
Quinine Sulphate 300mg
Number of Tablets per container
100
Batch Number
F4387
Expiry Date
11/18
Date of manufacture
12/14
Manufacturer
CAD Pharm, India
