The National Agency For Food ,Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has issued a red alert to Nigerians concerning the use of a counterfeit batch of Giga-S Injection drug currently being marketed by a high profile Pharmaceutical outlet in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia.
The regulatory agency said the sample of the Giga-S injection, Ceftriaxone +Sulbactam 1.5gIM/IV which is widely used for the treatment of severe infections like septicemia, pneumonia and meningitis, purchased at the popular Ariaria International Aba, may have been circulated nationwide.
In a statement contained in its official site on Monday June 24, 2024, NAFDAC called for the withdrawal of the drug from circulation for the purpose of preserving the health of Nigerians..
“Although this falsified batch product was identified in Abia State ,it may have likely been distributed to other parts of the country through informal markets .
“Consequently,it is important to detect and remove it from circulation to prevent harm to patients”
“Importers ,distributors, retailers and healthcare providers are advised to always exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation ,distribution ,sales and administration or use of falsified or substandard medicinal products .
“All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers .The products authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked .
“Members of the public in possession of the above product are advised to discontinue sales or use and summit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office .
“If you have this counterfeit product ,please DO NOT use it. If you or anyone. you know have used this product ,or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use ,you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from qualified healthcare professional.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicious Substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office .
“Similarly, health care professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse or side effects related to the use of medicinal products to the nearest NAFDAC office” part of the statement reads.
Meanwhile, an authoritative source has revealed that the regulatory agency has ringed a strong surveillance around drug dealers at the Ariaria International Market preparatory to a full scale raid.
The raid expected to take place anytime soon, is aimed at mopping up the falsified Giga-S injection and other related pharmaceutical products considered to be injurious to the health of the people.
“We understand that NAFDAC officials will be ‘visiting’ the market anytime from now. Their mission is to look for the drug in question and may be others. We have seen the NFDAC public notice concerning the product and there is nothing much anyone can say or do now until they ( NAFDAC) conclude their findings” of the medicine dealers stated.
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