The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is informing the public of the detection of suspected counterfeit medicinal products found in the Nigerian market that infringe on the approved marketing authorization of Forxiga® (dapagliflozin) manufactured by AstraZeneca.
AstraZeneca notified NAFDAC following market surveillance activities which identified products bearing names closely resembling Forxiga® and mimicking the AstraZeneca logo. The product names “Forzigar” and “Foziga” closely resemble Forxiga®, thereby creating a potential risk of confusion among healthcare professionals and patients. The products also imitate the AstraZeneca brand identity and logo.
Genuine Forxiga (dapgliflozin) is primarily prescribed for three major conditions: to improve blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes, to reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalizations in heart failure, and to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Risk Statement
Counterfeit medicines may contain incorrect ingredients, the wrong dosage strength, harmful contaminants, or may not contain the stated active ingredient. 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.
Product Details
According to information received from AstraZeneca, the following suspected counterfeit products were detected in Eastern Nigeria:
Counterfeit Product Name | Location Observed | Batch Number | Manufacturing/Expiry Date | Manufacturer |
Forzigar | Eastern Nigeria | ATE-262 | Mfg: Mar 2025; Exp: Feb 2028 | Alliaance Biotech |
Foziga | Eastern Nigeria | GIB405- | Mfg: 06/2024; Exp: 05/2027 | Medico Remedies Ltd |
It is also important to note the details of the genuine product
Genuine Product
- Product Name: Forxiga®
- Generic Name: Dapagliflozin
- Dosage Form: Film-coated tablets
- Marketing Authorization Holder: AstraZeneca
Product photos of genuine Forxiga and the suspected counterfeit
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.
Consumer Action
Consumers and healthcare professionals are advised to exercise caution to avoid the use of the counterfeit medicine and purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorized distributors. Product labels and packaging should be carefully examined before purchase and use.
Reporting of Adverse Events
Consumers and healthcare professionals are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, call NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322, or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng , or via the Med- safety application available for download on Android and IOS stores, or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
For complaints, you can call the Reforms Unit on the following lines: 09097630506, 09097630507, or email: reforms@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC…… Customer-Focused, Agency-Minded!!!
