The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding a batch of counterfeit Meronem 1g Injection that has been discovered in Nigeria. The alert, signed by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, highlights the potential risks associated with the counterfeit product.
According to the alert, the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH), Pfizer, reported the incident after receiving notifications from patients. The suspicious batch of Meronem 1g injection showed signs of poor quality, as the vial content did not dissolve properly upon reconstitution. Additionally, a discrepancy was noted between the crimp code on the pack and the reported code on the production documentation batch.
Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that the counterfeit product poses a significant risk to patients, as its quality and safety cannot be guaranteed. She urged healthcare providers and patients to exercise caution, advising them to only obtain medical products from authorized and licensed suppliers. It is crucial to carefully inspect products for authenticity and physical condition before purchase and administration.
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Importers, wholesalers, and retailers were also urged to remain vigilant within the supply chain and refrain from engaging in illegal importation, distribution, and sale of counterfeit Meronem 1g injection and other substandard medicinal products.
Those in possession of the counterfeit product were instructed to discontinue its use and submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office. Furthermore, if individuals have already used the counterfeit product or experienced any adverse reactions, they were advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Prof. Adeyeye stressed the importance of reporting any suspicions of adverse drug reactions or the presence of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office. Reporting can be done through the NAFDAC phone number, email, or using the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website.
In conclusion, NAFDAC is actively addressing the issue of counterfeit Meronem 1g Injection and is calling on healthcare professionals, consumers, and the general public to be vigilant, ensuring the safety and authenticity of their medical products. By reporting any adverse effects or suspicions of substandard medicines, Nigerians can contribute to safeguarding public health and the integrity of the healthcare system.
