The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been alerted by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the circulation of two versions of falsified Cefixime products in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (South Kivu).
The two versions of falsified Cefixime products were identified and reported to the World Health Organization in late 2017. Both products are presented in standard white plastic containers of 100 tablets. The label of both products display spelling mistakes.
The tablets of both products are round, small and without any embossing.
Cefixime is an antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections. Treatment with ineffective falsified Cefixime tablets can lead to emergence of resistant organisms. In extreme cases, the use of falsified Cefixime tablets may result in death.
The details of the two versions of falsified Cefixime product are listed below:
| Information on: | Version 1 | Version 2 |
| Product Name | Cefixime | Cefixime trihydrate |
| Batch Number | 4734 | Et078776 |
| Expiry Date | 01/2016 | Nov 2014 |
| Declared active ingredient | Cefixime | Cifixime trihydrate |
| Stated manufacturer | Merck & Co Inc | Holden Medical The Netherlands |
| Assay testing results | 2.5% of Cefixime | No Cefixime detected |
It should be noted that the manufacturers stated on the label have confirmed that they did not manufacture these products.
NAFDAC implores wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, healthcare providers, proprietors of healthcare facilities, program managers and other members of the public to be vigilant and report anybody or organization distributing falsified Cefixime tablets to the nearest NAFDAC office.
If you are in possession of falsified Cefixime products, do not use or sell. Submit the falsified products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Adverse events resulting from use of the falsified versions of Cefixime tablets should be reported to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC PRASCOR (20543 TOLL FREE from all networks) or via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC…………Safeguarding the Health of the Nation
