Thelma Osatohanmwen
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm regarding the discovery of fake Coco Samba Herbal Mixture 100ml in circulation, exposing consumers to potential health risks.
This revelation came after German customs seized the product, leading to an analysis by the German Official Medicines Control Laboratory (OMCL).
The analysis revealed that the product contained undisclosed amounts of sildenafil, a medication prescribed for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, exceeding the recommended daily dosage.
The NAFDAC Registration Number on the fake product, labeled as “A4-9149,” was found to be counterfeit, differing from the genuine product’s registration number “A8-4418L” obtained from the NAFDAC database.
Consumers are warned about the potential dangers of sildenafil interacting with nitrates, which could lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
While the fake product was intercepted in Germany, there is concern that it might have been distributed within Nigeria through informal channels.
NAFDAC emphasizes the importance of swift detection and removal of such products from circulation to protect consumers.
Importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare providers are urged to exercise caution within the supply chain, refraining from the importation, distribution, sale, or administration of fake or substandard medicinal products.
NAFDAC stresses the necessity of obtaining medical products only from authorized and licensed suppliers, conducting thorough authenticity checks.
Members of the public in possession of the mentioned product are advised to discontinue its sale or use and submit the stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Individuals who have used the product and experienced adverse reactions are encouraged to seek immediate medical advice from qualified healthcare professionals as NAFDAC remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring the authenticity and safety of medicinal products in Nigeria.