The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert over the circulation of a suspected falsified antibiotic, BETACLOX (Ampicillin 250mg and Cloxacillin 250mg), discovered within Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
In a statement, the agency said the product carries fake registration details and originates from an unverified source, posing a significant risk to public health.
The alert followed a report from a retail outlet in Zaria, Kaduna State, which detected the suspicious product after purchasing it from a distributor in Kano.
Investigations revealed that the NAFDAC Registration Number (A4-4724) printed on the fake BETACLOX packaging actually belongs to Mebendazole 500mg, produced by Chi Ltd., confirming the fraudulent use of the number.
The counterfeit product, allegedly imported by Freeview Pharmaceutical Ltd., lists its address as No. 128 MCC Road, Calabar, Cross River State.
However, NAFDAC’s verification showed that the authentic Freeview Pharmaceutical Ltd. operates from No. 101 MCC Road, Calabar, indicating an unauthorized use of the company’s identity.
Details of the falsified product include:
Product Name: BETACLOX (Ampicillin 250mg and Cloxacillin 250mg)
Batch No.: 230701
Manufacturer: Saeny Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Kerala, India
Manufacturing Date: 07/2023
Expiry Date: 07/2026
Fake NAFDAC Reg. No.: A4-4724
NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove the falsified product from circulation nationwide.
The agency urged distributors, pharmacists, and healthcare providers to be cautious, ensuring medicines are purchased only from licensed suppliers and verifying packaging authenticity.
Members of the public are also advised to report any suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its toll-free helpline.
See NAFDAC’s post below:
Fake drugs continue to infiltrate the Nigerian market despite NAFDAC’s sustained efforts and market raids aimed at curbing the spread of illicit pharmaceuticals.
