NAFDAC warns consumers of fake Chloroquine in circulation

* Counterfeit Chloroquine phosphate originates from China, lacks Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)

* Product bears falsified NAFDAC No. 028060
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
In view of the recent report on the alleged circulation of the medication, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the Nigerian consumers on distribution of falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, in a statement Monday, April 6, disclosed that NAFDAC was notified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) of the circulation of the tablets in Cameroon, a neighbouring country in the West African sub-region, according to agency report.

Prof. Adeyeye said: “The falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets were manufactured by Jiangsu pharmaceutical Inc, Astral pharmaceutical New Bhupalpura, China.

“The tablets manufactured by these companies have no Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and are in packs of 1,000 tablets.”

The NAFDAC Director-General warns consumers that “the use of the falsified Chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets may result in treatment failure and could even cause death.”

According to Prof. Adeyeye, the labelling information on the falsified Chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets manufactured by Jiangsu pharmaceutical Inc, China is labelled with fake NAFDAC No: 028060.

She further alerted consumers that “the Astral Pharmaceuticals, New Bhupalpura, China, is labelled with fake NAFDAC registration No. 0587612, and advised the general public to be aware of this drug.

“All importers, wholesalers and retailers are hereby cautioned to desist from illegal importation, distribution and sale of falsified Chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets.

“NAFDAC has strengthened its surveillance in all ports of entry to prevent illegal importation of the falsified chloroquine phosphate 250mg tablets.”

Adeyeye stated that “the agency has also heightened surveillance in the 36 states (of Nigeria) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to prevent distribution and sale of this falsified drug.

“Healthcare providers and other members of public are advised to be vigilant and contact the nearest NAFDAC office with any information on the falsified chloroquine.”

The regulatory agency, therefore, called on anybody in possession of the falsified Chloroquine to submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Consumers are also advised to report adverse events related with the use of the medicine, or call the agency toll free lines: 0800-1-NAFDAC and 0800-1-623322.