ALERT: NAFDAC warns against fake diabetes drugs in circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned against the use of suspected counterfeit medicinal products mimicking Forxiga (dapagliflozin) that are in circulation.

In an X post on Thursday, NAFDAC said that the use of the drug could pose serious health risks.

The agency said the suspected counterfeit products were detected in the Nigerian market following market surveillance by AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical company.

NAFDAC explained that AstraZeneca notified the agency after identifying products bearing names closely resembling Forxiga® and imitating the company’s brand identity and logo.

NAFDAC said that genuine Forxiga® (dapagliflozin) is prescribed to improve blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes.

The agency said that the original drug reduces cardiovascular deaths and hospitalisations in patients with heart failure and slows the progression of chronic kidney disease.

“Counterfeit medicines may contain incorrect ingredients, the wrong dosage strength, harmful contaminants, or may not contain the stated active ingredient,” the statement reads.

“Use of such products may result in treatment failure, worsening of the underlying medical condition, adverse health consequences, or other serious risks to patient safety.”

NAFDAC said the products were detected in the eastern part of the country.

It explained the suspected counterfeit Forzigar bears batch number ATE-262, with a manufacturing date of March 2025 and an expiry date of February 2028, and lists Alliaance Biotech as the manufacturer.

The second counterfeit product, Foziga, bears batch number GIB405-, with a manufacturing date of June 2024 and an expiry date of May 2027, and lists Medico Remedies Ltd as the manufacturer.

NAFDAC said the authentic product is marketed as Forxiga® (dapagliflozin), a film-coated tablet manufactured by AstraZeneca.

The agency said it had commenced investigations into the source and distribution of the suspected counterfeit medicines.

“NAFDAC is investigating the distribution and source of the suspected counterfeit products. All zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to conduct surveillance and mop-up activities to identify and remove any counterfeit product from circulation in Nigeria,” the statement reads.

The agency advised consumers and healthcare professionals to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorised distributors and to carefully examine product labels and packaging before purchase and use.

It urged the public to report suspected substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office. (TheCable)