The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised a red flag concerning the presence of counterfeit Meronem 1g Injection in circulation in Nigeria. This alert, detailed in a public notice (No. 036/2023), was officially released by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The alarm was sounded after Pfizer, the Marketing Authorisation Holder, reported the incident through a patient notification platform, prompting immediate action by NAFDAC. According to Adeyeye, Pfizer conveyed concerns about the vial content’s failure to dissolve upon reconstitution for use. Furthermore, a visual inspection of the pack revealed inconsistencies, with the crimp code not matching the reported code on the production documentation batch of 2A21F11, utilized for 4A21I17.
Adeyeye stressed that the production process did not align with Pfizer’s specifications, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Meronem, an antibiotic addressing bacterial infections, is widely used for treating skin and abdominal infections, as well as meningitis in both adults and children aged three months and older.
The use of counterfeit Meronem poses a substantial risk to patients, as the compromised quality and safety cannot be guaranteed, warned Adeyeye. Consequently, healthcare providers and patients are strongly advised to source all medical products exclusively from authorized and licensed suppliers. Adeyeye emphasized the importance of meticulously checking the authenticity and physical condition of the products before purchase and administration.
Importers, wholesalers, and retailers received a stern warning against participating in the illegal importation, distribution, and sale of the counterfeit Meronem 1g Injection and other substandard medicinal products. Adeyeye urged anyone in possession of the counterfeit product to cease using it immediately and submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office.
For those who have used the counterfeit product or experienced adverse reactions, Adeyeye encouraged seeking immediate medical advice from qualified healthcare professionals. Additionally, healthcare professionals and consumers are urged to report any suspicions of adverse drug reactions or encounters with substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the provided contact channels.
NAFDAC also advocates for the reporting of adverse events or side effects related to medicinal product use through the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website. The Med-safety application, downloadable on Android and IOS stores, or via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, serves as an additional avenue for the public to report any adverse effects of the product.
As NAFDAC remains vigilant in safeguarding public health, this alert aims to ensure the well-being and safety of all Nigerians by raising awareness about the potential dangers associated with counterfeit Meronem 1g Injection.
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