NAFDAC Cautions Nigerians Against Fake Diabetes Drugs in Circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against using suspected counterfeit versions of Forxiga, a medicine used in managing Type 2 diabetes.

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According to the agency, the fake medicines could contain the wrong ingredients, incorrect dosage levels or harmful substances that may put patients at serious risk.

NAFDAC said the suspected counterfeits were discovered in the Nigerian market after AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of the genuine product, raised an alert following its market surveillance activities.

The agency identified two products of concern as Forzigar and Foziga. Both products reportedly carry names and branding designed to resemble the authentic Forxiga medicine.

NAFDAC said the suspected Forzigar product carries batch number ATE-262, with a manufacturing date of March 2025 and an expiry date of February 2028.

Its packaging identifies Alliaance Biotech as the manufacturer.

The second product, identified as Foziga, bears batch number GIB405-. Its stated manufacturing date is June 2024, while the expiry date is May 2027.

According to NAFDAC, the product lists Medico Remedies Ltd as its manufacturer.

The agency said both suspected counterfeit products were detected in the eastern part of Nigeria during surveillance activities.

“Patients should not assume that a medicine is genuine simply because its name or packaging looks familiar,” NAFDAC warned, stressing the importance of obtaining medicines through regulated channels.

Genuine Forxiga (dapagliflozin) is a film-coated tablet manufactured by AstraZeneca and prescribed for the management of blood sugar levels in people living with Type 2 diabetes.

Beyond diabetes management, NAFDAC said dapagliflozin has important benefits for patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

The medicine can help reduce cardiovascular deaths and hospital admissions among certain heart failure patients. It can also slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.

However, counterfeit versions may not provide these benefits because their contents and strength cannot be trusted.

NAFDAC said taking fake medicines could lead to treatment failure, worsen an existing illness or expose patients to harmful health effects.

“Counterfeit medicines can contain the wrong active ingredient, an incorrect strength or dangerous contaminants,” the agency said.

The regulator has now opened an investigation to establish where the suspected products came from and how they entered the Nigerian supply chain.

It has also directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and carry out mop-up operations aimed at removing the products from circulation.

NAFDAC urged patients, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to remain vigilant when purchasing or dispensing medicines.

The agency advised consumers to obtain medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorised distributors.

It also encouraged buyers to inspect labels, packaging and other product details carefully before purchasing or taking medicines.

Anyone who encounters the suspected counterfeit products should avoid using them and report the discovery to the appropriate regulatory authorities.