The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised a serious alarm over the circulation of a fake antimalarial drug branded as Aflotin 20/120, in the Nigerian market. The agency, in a public alert released via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, warned that the counterfeit drug poses a major health risk to Nigerians.
According to the statement, the counterfeit medicine falsely claims to be manufactured by Ajanta Pharma Limited, a pharmaceutical company based in Mumbai, India, but the company has denied producing the product currently in circulation.
The alert followed a formal report submitted to NAFDAC by Ajanta Pharma, which stated that a falsified version of its Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets had been found in Nigeria. The report pointed to a specific batch number PA2128L, which originally belonged to a different product manufactured by the company.
Ajanta Pharma clarified that the original product associated with that batch number was a medication called Combisunate 20/120, manufactured in December 2018 and expiring in November 2020. It came in a pack size of 30 x 24 tablets.
However, the counterfeit version currently being sold in Nigeria under the name Aflotin 20/120 is packaged in 1 x 18 tablets, with fake labels claiming a manufacturing date of April 2023 and expiry date of March 2026.
“The overprinted matter on the falsified tablets did not align with Ajanta’s printing style, and the carton’s artwork was inconsistent with our approved design,” the company explained. The company further stated that it has no record of manufacturing any product by the name Aflotin 20/120mg with that batch number.
Artemether and Lumefantrine are widely used antimalarial drugs, especially effective in treating uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. The medication is part of the World Health Organization’s recommended artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and is commonly used in Nigeria, which continues to struggle with one of the world’s highest malaria burdens.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease, and using fake or substandard antimalarial drugs can lead to treatment failure, prolonged illness, complications, and even death, particularly in children and pregnant women who are most vulnerable.
This makes the presence of counterfeit versions of Artemether/Lumefantrine in circulation a public health emergency.
NAFDAC, in its alert, strongly condemned the circulation of fake medicines and stressed the serious danger they pose to public health.
“Counterfeit medicines may contain incorrect ingredients, improper doses, or may be completely inactive. These products not only fail to treat the disease but can lead to harmful side effects, resistance to real drugs, and loss of life,” the agency warned.
In response, NAFDAC has directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators across the country to intensify surveillance and inspections. The agency is working to remove any trace of the fake Aflotin 20/120 from the market and prevent further distribution.
Retailers, pharmacists, hospitals, and healthcare professionals have been urged to be vigilant and ensure all medications are purchased from licensed suppliers. NAFDAC also reminded the public that only drugs approved by the agency and sold by authorised vendors should be used.
NAFDAC encouraged all Nigerians—especially those in the healthcare sector—to report any suspicious medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office. Members of the public can also report such findings through the agency’s e-reporting platforms, which include mobile apps and web portals.
In addition, any cases of adverse drug reactions or unusual side effects after taking medications should be immediately reported. Quick reporting helps NAFDAC trace dangerous products and take swift action to protect public health.
– Check product packaging carefully: Look out for unusual labeling, faded prints, or packaging that does not match the usual design.
– Buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies: Avoid roadside vendors and unregistered drug sellers.
– Report any suspected fake drug: Use NAFDAC’s Med Safety App or visit www.nafdac.gov.ng for instructions on how to report.
– Keep a copy of the medicine: If you suspect a product is fake, don’t throw it away. It can be used as evidence during an investigation.
The issue of fake and substandard drugs is not new in Nigeria. In recent years, NAFDAC has had to crack down on several incidents involving counterfeit medications, ranging from antibiotics to painkillers and now antimalarials.
Fake medicines not only threaten individual lives but also harm the reputation of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market and reduce public confidence in healthcare systems.
The agency has promised to keep the public updated on developments and to publish further findings as investigations continue. In the meantime, Nigerians are urged to remain cautious and to support the agency’s efforts to eliminate counterfeit drugs.
“This is a fight for everyone. We all have a role to play in making sure that dangerous drugs don’t end up in our homes and hospitals,” the agency said.
As Nigeria continues to battle malaria and other preventable diseases, the quality and safety of drugs in circulation remain a national priority. The current alert from NAFDAC is a stark reminder that vigilance, cooperation, and public awareness are critical in the fight against fake medicines.
