The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of suspected counterfeit diabetes medication in parts of the country, warning that the products could endanger the lives of patients.
The agency disclosed on Thursday that the fake products imitate Forxiga (dapagliflozin), a prescription medicine used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
NAFDAC, in Public Alert No. 036/2026 released on its official X handle, said the suspected counterfeit medicines were uncovered during market surveillance conducted by pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca.
According to the agency, the counterfeit products bear names closely resembling the genuine brand and unlawfully copy AstraZeneca's identity and logo, making them difficult for unsuspecting consumers to distinguish.
It warned that counterfeit medicines may contain the wrong ingredients, incorrect dosage, harmful substances or no active ingredient at all, thereby exposing users to treatment failure, worsening health conditions and other life-threatening complications.
The agency identified one of the suspected counterfeit products as Forzigar, with batch number ATE-262, manufactured in March 2025 and expiring in February 2028. It reportedly lists Alliaance Biotech as the manufacturer.
Another fake product, identified as Foziga, bears batch number GIB405-, with a manufacturing date of June 2024 and an expiry date of May 2027, while Medico Remedies Ltd is listed as the manufacturer.
NAFDAC clarified that the authentic medicine is marketed as Forxiga (dapagliflozin) film-coated tablets produced by AstraZeneca, adding that the suspected counterfeit products were detected in parts of Eastern Nigeria.
The agency said investigations had commenced to trace the origin and distribution channels of the fake medicines, while directing all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove any counterfeit products found in circulation.
It urged healthcare professionals, distributors and members of the public to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorised distributors, carefully inspect product packaging before use, and promptly report any suspected falsified or substandard medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its official reporting channels.
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