The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning about the circulation of falsified Cikatem (Artemether 180mg/Lumefantrine 1080mg) suspension.
In a public alert released on its website on Thursday, the agency revealed that the counterfeit product bears a falsified NAFDAC Registration Number, NRN A11-100025.
According to NAFDAC, the fake medication was discovered at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Kano following a consumer complaint that prompted an investigation. The agency identified the stated manufacturer as Michelle Laboratories, located at Plot 23, Block 2, Thinkers Corner Industrial Layout, P.O. Box 2709, Enugu, Nigeria.
“All the falsified Cikatem (Artemether 180mg/Lumefantrine 1080mg) suspension discovered during the investigation has been mopped up, and surveillance is ongoing,” NAFDAC stated.
The agency further highlighted discrepancies in the product’s packaging, noting that the NAFDAC Registration Number (A11-100025) printed on the label actually belongs to Cikatem Tablet 20/120mg and not the suspension formulation.
During an inspection of the manufacturing facility, NAFDAC placed 17,280 bottles of Cikatem suspension on hold, pending destruction.
ARTEMETHER+LUMEFANTRINE for oral suspension is used for treating malaria in children caused by all forms of Plasmodium, including severe malaria.
NAFDAC emphasized the dangers of counterfeit medicines, stating that they do not meet regulatory standards, compromising safety, quality, and efficacy. “The use of counterfeit medicines often fails to effectively treat diseases or conditions, leading to serious health consequences, including death,” the agency warned.
To curb the distribution of the falsified product, NAFDAC has instructed all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove the counterfeit medication from circulation.
“Distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products,” the agency stated.
