NAFDAC warns Nigerians about substandard paracetamol from Liberia.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a public warning against consuming subpar Paracetamol from Liberia.
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NAFDAC published a formal statement on Twitter on Thursday, warning Nigerians against purchasing the medicine before even considering taking it.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is notifying the public of a substandard paracetamol suspension PARA CLEAR SUSPENSION 125 received from the Liberian Medicine and Health Product Regulatory Authority for laboratory testing in the NAFDAC Central Drug Control Laboratory (CDCL), according to NAFDAC.
Laboratory analysis of the sample confirms the presence of toxic ethylene glycol, a toxic substance not normally found in product formulations.
“The product also failed the requirement for acute oral toxicity, with five deaths of laboratory animals recorded,” the researchers write.
According to NAFDAC, diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are poisonous to humans and can be lethal if swallowed.
Public Alert No. 017/2023.
Alert on substandard Paracetamol Suspension received from Republic of Liberia.#NafdacALERTShttps://t.co/kKHpE9sCCN pic.twitter.com/L3LopU9ww5— NAFDAC NIGERIA (@NafdacAgency) June 15, 2023
It went on to say that the toxic effects could include abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, changed mental state, and severe kidney injury, which could result in death.
NAFDAC states that Paracetamol Suspension is used to treat mild to moderate aches and pains such as headache, migraine, neuralgia, toothache, sore throat, menstruation problems, and so on.
It is also used to reduce fever and as an adjuvant treatment to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu.
Despite the fact that the product is not registered with NAFDAC
Despite the fact that the product is not included in the NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are urged to exercise caution and vigilance throughout the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of substandard (contaminated) syrups.
According to NAFDAC, all medical supplies must be purchased from authorized/licensed sources. The legitimacy and physical quality of the products should be carefully examined.
NAFDAC urges the public to avoid acquiring medicinal products from unlicensed sources such as roadside vendors and street hawkers, as fake pharmaceuticals are frequently trafficked into the country from neighboring countries and sold through such unsuitable channels.
“Anyone in possession of the above-mentioned product is advised to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office,” the agency stated.
“If you or someone you know has used this product or has experienced any adverse reaction/event as a result of its use, you should seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to contact the nearest NAFDAC office if they suspect the sale or usage of substandard or fraudulent drugs.
Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are asked to notify the nearest NAFDAC office of any adverse occurrences or side effects associated to the usage of the pharmaceutical product.
