The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians, especially healthcare workers, that a batch of counterfeit Melonem 1g injection is being purchased in Nigeria.
This information is contained in Public Alert No. 036/2023 signed by the Director-General of the Agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Adeyeye, the Manufacturing and Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH), Pfizer, reported an incident regarding the suspicious purchase of Melonem 1g injection received through its patient notification platform.
She reported that Pfizer stated that the contents of the vial did not dissolve when reconstituted for use and further visual inspection of the pack was observed.
It was also reported that the crimp code did not match the code reported in the manufacturing documentation batch for 2A21F11, a semi-finished product batch used for 4A21I17.
The directorate said the manufacturing process did not meet Pfizer’s specifications.
“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.
However, the NAFDAC chief said that healthcare workers and patients were advised to obtain all medical products from licensed/licensed suppliers.
According to her, the authenticity and physical condition of the product should be carefully checked before purchase and administration.
He also called on importers, wholesalers and retailers to maintain vigilance within the supply chain and stop the illegal import, distribution and sale of counterfeit Melonem 1g injection and other substandard medicines.
Mr Adeyeye said those in possession of counterfeit products should stop using them and submit them to the nearest NAFDAC office.
He also urges anyone in possession of counterfeit products to immediately seek medical advice from a qualified medical professional if they have already used the product or if they experience side effects after using the product. I called upon you to seek it.
The Directorate General also advises healthcare professionals and consumers that if they suspect drug side effects, substandard drugs, or counterfeit drugs, please contact the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC telephone number 0800-162-3322, or email sf advised to report to [email protected]. NG.
Adeyeye also urges healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicines to their local NAFDAC office or through the e-reporting platform available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng. We encourage you to use and report. .
The public is also asked to report any adverse effects of the product through the Med-safety application, available for download on Android and IOS stores, or by email at [email protected].
Source: guardian.ng