NAFDAC raises alarm over fake injection in circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians, especially healthcare providers, about the sale of one batch of fake Meronem 1g injection in Nigeria.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued this caution on Tuesday in Abuja.

She said the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH), Pfizer, notified the occurrence via a patient notification mechanism and included a dubious pack of Meronem 1g injectable transaction.

She quoted Pfizer, stating that further visual inspection of the pack showed that the contents of the vial did not dissolve when reconstituted for use.

Moreover, it was said that the crimp code did not match with the code listed on the 2A21F11 production documentation batch, which is the semi-finished batch that was used for 4A21I17.

According to the DG, the manufacturing process did not comply with Pfizer’s standards.

“The vial label looks similar to the alleged artwork version.

“Meronem (Meropenem trihydrate injection) is an antibiotic used to treat skin and abdominal (stomach area) infections caused by bacteria and meningitis (infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord) in adults and children 3 months of age and older.

“The administration of the fake product will pose a high risk to patients as the quality and safety are not assured,” Adeyeye said.

The head of NAFDAC stated that patients and healthcare professionals were advised to buy all medical supplies from authorised and licenced vendors.

According to her, it is important to carefully examine the physical state and validity of things before making a purchase or using them.