The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent warning to Nigerians.
This alert concerns the recall of a specific batch of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules.
The affected batch, identified as lot number 4C639001, was manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd and marketed by DevineKings Pharmaceutical Ltd.
NAFDAC’s alert follows reports of serious adverse drug reactions linked to this product.
According to NAFDAC, three cases of severe reactions were reported from a hospital where patients had taken the drug.
The agency revealed this in a statement shared on its website.
“Serious adverse drug reactions were received from a hospital regarding patients who used this batch of Deekins Amoxycillin,” the statement said.
Amoxicillin is a widely used antibiotic for treating bacterial infections like tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections of the ear, nose, throat, skin, or urinary tract.
However, the adverse reactions linked to the recalled batch have raised alarm among healthcare providers and the general public.
NAFDAC highlighted that adverse drug reactions could be life-threatening in some cases.
Such reactions may require hospitalization, lead to permanent disability, or, in extreme cases, result in death.
The recalled batch was manufactured in March 2024 and set to expire in February 2027.
NAFDAC has urged distributors, healthcare providers, and patients to immediately discontinue the use of the affected product.
“Medical products must be obtained only from authorized suppliers,” the agency warned.
NAFDAC also emphasized the importance of checking the authenticity and physical condition of all medicines.
“Anyone in possession of the affected lot should stop its use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office,” the statement read.
The agency further called on Nigerians to report any side effects or issues experienced with this product.
“If you or someone you know has used this product and suffered adverse reactions, seek immediate medical advice,” NAFDAC advised.
Reports of substandard or falsified medicines should be made to the agency through their hotline or email, NAFDAC added.
The hotline for such reports is 0800-162-3322, while the email for concerns is [email protected].
Healthcare professionals and patients can also use NAFDAC’s E-reporting platform to report incidents.
The agency stressed the importance of vigilance within the pharmaceutical supply chain.
NAFDAC reminded the public that avoiding unverified medicines is crucial to preventing dangerous health complications.
