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The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is notifying Healthcare providers and the public of the detection of one batch counterfeit Meronem circulating in Nigeria.
According to Pfizer, laboratory analysis of the Meronem vial content indicated that there was no meropenem trihydrate detected in the suspect sample but amoxicillin and saccharine. The administration of the counterfeit product will pose a particular high risk to patients.
Genuine Meronem (Meropenem trihydrate injection) is used to treat skin and abdominal (stomach area) infections caused by bacteria and meningitis (infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) in adults and children 3 months of age and older. Meropenem injection is in a class of medications called antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria that cause infection.
The counterfeit Meronem vial was observed to have a different cap colour from the usual, absence of a number at the neck of the vial and foaming of content upon reconstitution.
Product Details
The details of the counterfeit Meronem are as follows;
| Product Name | Meronem 1g IV injection |
| Stated Manufacturer | Pfizer |
| Batch Number | 4A19G161 |
| Manufacturing date | 07/2020 |
| Expiry date | 06/2024 |
| Stated Active Ingredients | Meropenem trihydrate |
The genuine manufacturer of Meronem (Pfizer) stated that a check in their database indicated that the batch 4A19G161 is a legitimate batch for the Egyptian market but was manufactured on 03/2018 and bearing an expiry date of 02/2022.
Healthcare providers and patients are advised to obtain all medical products from authorized/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked before purchase and administration.
All importers, wholesalers and retailers are implored to maintain vigilance within the supply chain and desist from illegal importation, distribution, and sale of the counterfeit Meronem IV injection and/ or other counterfeit and substandard medicinal products.
Anybody in possession of the counterfeit product should stop using them and submit them to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional if you have used the product, or you suffered an adverse reaction/event having used the product.
Healthcare providers and other members of the public are to contact the nearest NAFDAC office with any information on distribution and sale of the counterfeit Meronem IV injection.
Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of adverse drug reaction, substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC……..Customer-focused, Agency-minded!!!
Signed Management
