The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert following the discovery of an unregistered batch of Tarivid 200mg (Ofloxacin) in Lagos.
According to a statement published on Monday. Officials from NAFDAC’s Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate uncovered the product during a routine inspection in the Onipanu area of Shomolu Local Government Area.
Following the discovery, further investigation revealed that the batch was not approved for use in Nigeria. Sanofi, the product’s manufacturer, confirmed that the batch was originally produced for the Pakistani market. This was validated through a detailed assessment by Sanofi’s Anti-Falsified and Illicit Trafficking (AFIT) Central Laboratory.
NAFDAC emphasized that this specific batch does not fall under any registered product listing in its database. Making it unauthorized for sale or distribution within the country.
The agency warned that using unregistered medicines poses a serious threat to public health. As their safety, quality, and efficacy are not guaranteed.
Tarivid, an antibacterial medication, is typically used to treat infections affecting the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, soft tissues, and more. The unregistered product was manufactured in September 2023, with an expiry date of August 2028, and was falsely labeled with registration number AL016.
To curb the spread, NAFDAC has instructed all zonal and state offices to intensify surveillance and remove the product from circulation immediately.
Healthcare professionals, distributors, and retailers are advised to purchase only from licensed sources and to thoroughly inspect the authenticity of products.
Suspicious products should be reported to NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322 or sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
Consumers are urged to stay vigilant and avoid unregistered drugs to protect their health and safety.
