The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a critical public alert regarding the illegal distribution and marketing of a substandard and falsified anti-malarial product known as Colamar (Artemether/Lumefantrine 20/120mg).
This alert comes as a significant warning to consumers and healthcare professionals about the potential health risks associated with counterfeit medications.
The agency has identified the problematic product as a deceptive imitation of Lonart Suspension and carries a counterfeit NAFDAC Registration Number (NRN): B4-4065.
This number is actually associated with Malasyn Tablets (Dihydroartemisinin 40mg, Piperaquine Phosphate 320mg), whose registration expired on December 22, 2019. The existence of such falsified registration details raises serious concerns about the product’s legitimacy and safety.
Artemether/Lumefantrine 20/120mg is a widely used antimalarial medication effective in treating acute uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The illegal marketing of counterfeit medicines poses significant health risks, as these products fail to comply with regulatory standards, compromising their safety, quality, and efficacy.
Product Details:
– Product Name: Colamar 20/120 Powder for Oral Suspension
– Active Ingredients: Artemether/Lumefantrine 20/120mg
-Batch Number: ALD2424
-Manufacturing Date: 02/2024
-Expiry Date: 01/2027
-Stated NRN: B4-4065
-Manufacturer: Archy Pharm. Nig Ltd., 30 Win Funke Street, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ojokoro-Lagos, Nigeria
NAFDAC has instructed all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct thorough surveillance and eliminate any substandard and falsified products from circulation. Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are urged to exercise heightened caution and vigilance throughout the supply chain. It is essential that all medical products are sourced from authorized and licensed suppliers, and that their authenticity and physical condition are meticulously verified.
Consumers and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any suspicions regarding the sale of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s dedicated helpline at 0800-162-3322. Additionally, adverse events or side effects related to medicinal products should also be reported using NAFDAC’s e-reporting platforms, available on their website or through the Med-safety application, accessible on Android and iOS.
This alert serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safeguarding public health against the dangers posed by counterfeit medications and the need for collective vigilance in maintaining the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
