The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of falsified Cikatem (Artemether 180mg/Lumefantrine 1080mg) suspension, discovered in Kano’s Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC).
The agency made this announcement in Public Alert No. 05/2025, released on March 11, 2025.
According to NAFDAC, the fake anti-malaria medication was detected after a consumer complaint triggered an investigation by the Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) officers in Kano.
The agency confirmed that the counterfeit product falsely bore the NAFDAC Registration Number (A11-100025), which belongs to Cikatem Tablet 20/120mg rather than the suspension formulation.
Following the discovery, NAFDAC swiftly conducted a mop-up operation, confiscating all falsified Cikatem suspensions found during the probe. Additionally, officials inspected the manufacturer’s facility, where 17,280 bottles of the falsified drug were placed on hold for further examination and eventual destruction.
“Counterfeit or falsified medicines endanger public health as they fail to meet regulatory safety, quality, and efficacy standards,” NAFDAC stated. “The use of such products can lead to treatment failure, severe health risks, and even death.”
Key Identifiers of the Fake Product
NAFDAC highlighted key discrepancies distinguishing the counterfeit Cikatem suspension:
The falsely used NAFDAC Registration Number (A11-100025), originally assigned to Cikatem Tablet 20/120mg
Packaging inconsistencies compared to the original manufacturer’s standard
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Possible chemical contamination or ineffective active ingredients
Public Warning and Call for Vigilance
The regulatory agency has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and confiscate any remaining falsified Cikatem suspensions within their respective zones.
Healthcare professionals, retailers, and distributors have been urged to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medical products. “All medicines should only be obtained from licensed and authorized suppliers,” the agency warned.
Consumers are encouraged to report any suspicion of counterfeit or substandard medications via NAFDAC’s hotlines 0800-1-623322 or by emailing sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
Additionally, any adverse effects linked to medicinal products should be reported through the NAFDAC Med-Safety App or at the nearest NAFDAC office.
Global Monitoring and Next Steps
In collaboration with international health bodies, NAFDAC has confirmed that this public alert will be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS). Further investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the falsified drug and prosecute those responsible for its circulation.
The circulation of counterfeit medications poses a grave threat to public health, particularly in malaria-endemic regions. NAFDAC remains committed to protecting Nigerians from dangerous pharmaceutical products and urges the public to stay vigilant in identifying and reporting falsified drugs.