The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the presence of counterfeit Meronem 1g Injection in the Nigerian market. This revelation was made known through a statement signed by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, urging healthcare providers and the general public to be vigilant.
According to the alert, Pfizer, the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH), reported an incident involving a suspicious batch of Meronem 1g Injection. Upon reconstitution for use, the vial content did not dissolve, and further visual inspection revealed discrepancies in the packaging. The reported crimp code did not match the production documentation batch, indicating a deviation from Pfizer’s specifications.
Meronem 1g Injection, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections and meningitis in adults and children, poses a significant risk to patients when counterfeited, as the quality and safety cannot be guaranteed.
In response to this alert, healthcare providers and patients are strongly advised to procure medical products solely from authorised and licensed suppliers. Thorough scrutiny of products’ authenticity and physical condition before purchase and administration is crucial to avoid falling victim to counterfeit drugs.
NAFDAC’s Director-General also implored importers, wholesalers, and retailers to uphold vigilance within the supply chain and refrain from engaging in the illegal importation, distribution, and sale of counterfeit Meronem 1g injection and other substandard medicinal products.
Anyone who comes into possession of the counterfeit product is urged to discontinue its use and promptly submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office. Additionally, individuals experiencing adverse reactions after using the product should seek immediate medical attention from qualified healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any suspicion of adverse drug reactions, substandard, or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office. They can also utilize the NAFDAC phone number or email for reporting purposes. Reporting adverse events or side effects related to medicinal products can also be done through the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website.
This development serves as a reminder for the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any adverse effects of the product via the available Med-safety application. NAFDAC remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerians through the eradication of counterfeit and substandard medical products.
