The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control has alerted the public to the circulation of a fake anti-hypertensive drug.

NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja said the drug, Hydrochlorothiazide 50mg (containing Glibenclamide) was already on sale in Cameroun.

“NAFDAC is alerting the public, especially healthcare providers, to the circulation of confirmed faked Hydrochlorothiazide 50mg tablets in Cameroun.

“The faked product has been found to contain Glibenclamide instead of Hydrochlorothiazide.

“In March, the World Health Organisation was informed by an NGO in Cameroun that a medicine, presented as Hydrochlorothiazide 50mg tablets, has caused hypoglycaemia (deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream) in patients.

“Confirmatory laboratory analysis has established that the product did not contain hydrochlorothiazide, the stated active ingredient; rather, glibenclamide was instead identified,” Adeyeye said.

She explained that the genuine version of the drug was for treatment of hypertension, while the falsified medicine poses grave danger to patients.

“Hydrochlorothiazide is used as an anti-hypertensive and diuretic medicine, whereas Glibenclamide is an anti-diabetic medicine.

“The falsified medicine presents a risk for patients who take hydrochlorothiazide for the treatment of hypertension.

“The label on the plastic container of this faked product states Laboratoires Sterop as the manufacturer; however, this company has confirmed to WHO that it did not manufacture or supply the faked product.

“The Falsified hydrochlorothiazide 50mg is presented in plastic containers of 1000 tablets each,” she said.

The NAFDAC DG further said the drug, which had a batch number of 16G04, also carried 16/2017 as its Manufacture Date and 30/05/2021 as Expiry Date.

“The batch number, as well as a number of other features shown on the label of the faked Hydrochlorothiazide 50mg tablets, do not correspond with genuine manufacturing records. The label is in English and French languages.”

She advised importers, wholesalers, and retailers to avoid illegal importation and sale of the drug in Nigeria as surveillance had been heightened to prevent such.

“Surveillance has been strengthened by NAFDAC at all ports of entry to prevent importation of the faked Hydrochlorothiazide 50mg tablets from Cameroun.

“NAFDAC has also heightened surveillance to prevent distribution and sale of the faked product.

“Healthcare providers and other members of the public are advised to be vigilant and contact the nearest NAFDAC office with any information on the product,” she said.

Adeyeye further advised those already in possession of the drug to submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office.

She advised consumers to report any adverse effects related to the use of medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, citing its toll-free number 20543 on all networks, or via its e-mail pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

(NAN)