The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to a falsified batch of Giga-S injection.
Giga-S Injection (Ceftriaxone + Sulbactam Inj.1.5g IM/IV) is indicated for the treatment of severe infections due to susceptible organisms, including septicemia, pneumonia, and meningitis.
In a statement on Monday, NAFDAC said the fake product was discovered in Aba, Abia State, expressing concerns about possible distribution to other parts of the country.
“Although this falsified batch product was identified in Abia State, it may likely have been distributed to other parts of the country through informal markets. Consequently, it is important to detect and remove it from circulation to prevent harm to patients,” it said.
The agency implores importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare providers to always exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and administration or use of falsified or substandard medicinal products.
Consequently, NAFDAC directed that all medical products must be obtained from authorised or licenced suppliers and the products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
It also urged members of the public in possession of the fake product to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“If you have this counterfeit product, please DO NOT use it. If you, or anyone you know, have used this product or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicious substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
“Healthcare professionals and patients are to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products to the nearest NAFDAC office, through the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng, via the Med-Safety application available for download on Android and iOS stores, or via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
“This notice will be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS),” it added.
