The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over the circulation of counterfeit Combiart Dispersible Tablets (Artemether + Lumefantrine 20/120mg) in Nigeria. The agency discovered the fake products during surveillance operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Rivers State.
According to NAFDAC, the counterfeit product, purportedly manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited in India, is devoid of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and features irregularities such as two different date markings. A check of NAFDAC’s database confirmed that the product’s license has expired, and the registration number displayed is incorrect.
Risks of Counterfeit Medicines
NAFDAC emphasized the grave dangers of counterfeit drugs, warning that these products fail to meet regulatory safety, quality, and efficacy standards. “Counterfeit or falsified medicines endanger people’s health because they do not comply with regulatory standards,” the agency stated. “The use of such medicines often leads to treatment failure, serious health consequences, and even death.”
Details of the Counterfeit Product
Brand Name: Combiart Dispersible Tablet 20/120mg
Generic Name: Artemether + Lumefantrine 20/120mg
Batch No: 7225119
NAFDAC Reg No: A11-0299
Manufacturing Dates: June 2023 and February 2023
Expiry Dates: May 2026 and June 2026
Manufacturer: Strides Arcolab Limited, Bangalore, India
Call to Action
NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove the counterfeit products from circulation. Importers, distributors, and healthcare professionals are urged to exercise caution within the supply chain, verify the authenticity of all medical products, and source them only from authorized suppliers.
Consumers and healthcare providers are also encouraged to report suspected counterfeit products or adverse drug reactions to NAFDAC via: Toll-Free Line: 0800-162-3322
