The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians, especially healthcare workers, that a batch of fake Melonem 1g injection is being sold in Nigeria.
NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye issued this warning in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said Pharmaceutical Authorization Holder (MAH) Pfizer had reported the incident through its patient notification mechanism, including the suspicious perk of the Melonem 1g injection deal.
She cited Pfizer, which said further visual inspection of the pack found that the contents of the vial did not dissolve when reconstituted for use.
Additionally, the crimp code allegedly did not match the code listed on the 2A21F11 manufacturing documentation batch, which is the semi-finished product batch used for 4A21I17.
The directorate said manufacturing procedures did not comply with Pfizer’s requirements.
“The vial label is comparable to the purported artwork version.
“Meronem (meropenem trihydrate injection) is used to treat skin and abdominal (stomach area) infections caused by bacteria and meningitis (an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) in adults and children over 3 months of age. It is an antibiotic used to treat diseases.
“Administering counterfeit products will pose a high risk to patients as quality and safety are not guaranteed,” Adeyeye said.
The NAFDAC chief said patients and healthcare professionals are encouraged to purchase all medical supplies from approved and licensed vendors.
According to her, before purchasing or using something, it is important to thoroughly inspect its physical condition and effectiveness.
Source: dailypost.ng