The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning regarding the circulation of counterfeit Tandak injection 1.5g powder and injection water, raising concerns over public health safety.
NAFDAC, through its official channels, alerted Nigerians to exercise vigilance, stating that the counterfeit product was detected in Gombe state and reported to the agency by Marcson Healthcare Ltd., the Marketing Authorisation Holder. Notably, the counterfeit product is purportedly manufactured by Intracin Pharmaceuticals in Gujarat, India.
Tandak® injection, a co-formulation of Ceftriaxone 1000mg and Sulbactam 500mg, is prescribed for the treatment of various bacterial infections. However, NAFDAC cautioned that counterfeit medicines pose significant risks to health as they do not adhere to regulatory standards, jeopardizing the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products.
To differentiate the original product from the counterfeit, NAFDAC highlighted several distinguishing features. The original batch number is BN: 23P24, manufactured in August 2023 and expiring in July 2025, whereas the counterfeit bears batch number 22P21, manufactured in May 2022 with an expiry date of August 2026.
Moreover, the original product features a hologram on the primary carton and a mobile authentication service label, while the counterfeit lacks these security measures. Additionally, the vial cap of the original product is green, in contrast to the white cap of the counterfeit.
NAFDAC added that the logo of the exporter for the original product is Prime Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd, but the logo of the exporter of the fake product is wrong and inconsistent.
“NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products within the zones and states.
“Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products. All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med- safety application available for download on android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng,” it said.
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