Fake malaria drug in circulation, FG raises the alarm

The Federal Government has stepped up vigilance within the drug supply chains in the country on the circulation of two confirmed falsified versions of Quinine Sulphate.

A statement said the Federal Ministry of Health received a medical alert that the two falsified drugs contain zero active pharmaceutical ingredients.

The statement by Mrs Boade Akinola, Director, Media and Public Relations of the ministry, on Saturday said the drugs were circulating in West and Central Africa.

Akinola said the two version of the drug were circulating in Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo.

She said the quinine Sulphate was used in the treatment of malaria.

According to her, the implication of using the falsified one is that it will not be effective and may also lead to other health challenges.

She said one of the fake products was named Quinine Sulfate 300 mg with 1000 Tablets per container, Batch Number 10H05, expiry date 09/2018 and it manufactured 09/2014.

Akinola added that the drug manufactured by Novadina Pharmaceutical Limited, London, United Kingdom was first discovered in Cameroon.

The director said the other version of the fake drug was Quinine Sulphate 300mg with 100 Tablets per container; batch F4387, expiry date 11/18 and its date of manufacture is 12/14.

She explained that the product was manufactured in India by CAD Pharm, and it was discovered in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

She advised Nigerians to be vigilant and report to the nearest National Agency for Food and Drug Administration office anywhere the drugs were spotted including hospitals and pharmaceutical shops.