NAFDAC withdraws 40 drugs, cancels harmful products, and bans unsafe food items in 2024 as part of its ongoing mission to protect public health in Nigeria.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken proactive measures in 2024 to bolster public health in Nigeria. The agency has withdrawn 40 pharmaceutical drugs, canceled four products, and banned several hazardous food and dietary items. These actions underscore NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring the safety of consumables in Nigeria.
NAFDAC’s initiatives aim to eliminate substandard, harmful, or contaminated products from the market. Prof. Isa Chamo, Commissioner of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in Jigawa State, stated that these measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to enforce stricter compliance requirements and improve transparency in supply chains.
Major Drug Recalls in 2024
Among the most notable recalls this year are:
- Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg Capsules (Batch 4C639001): Recalled on December 3 due to reports of severe adverse drug reactions, showcasing the need for enhanced safety in essential medicines.
- Acetazolamide Tablets USP 125mg (Batch 30575HF1): Recalled on November 26 after contamination issues were flagged by Rubicon Research Private Ltd, posing risks to patients with glaucoma and epilepsy.
- Pantogen Injection “Singtong” (Batches 4DM1150 and 4DM0442): Pulled from the market following abnormal color complaints, ensuring patient safety.
Food and Dietary Product Bans
NAFDAC also took significant steps in regulating food safety and dietary items:
- Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): Banned as of August 2, 2024, aligning Nigeria with international safety standards. BVO is linked to thyroid damage and central nervous system risks.
- Detox Slimming Sachets Containing Banned Substances: Products with ingredients such as sibutramine and sennosides, which can cause severe cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues, were outlawed.
Comprehensive List of Withdrawn and Canceled Products
NAFDAC’s regulatory actions extended to several drugs and products:
Withdrawn Drugs:
- Abacavir Sulfate/Lamivudine Dispersible Tablets 60mg/30mg – Healthline Limited
- Amaryl M Tablets – Sanofi Aventis Nigeria Ltd
- Artemether/Lumefantrine 40mg/240mg Tablets – Healthline Limited
- Flagyl Suspension – Sanofi Aventis Nigeria Ltd
- Nevirapine 200mg Tablets – Healthline Limited
- A total of 40 drugs were withdrawn due to safety concerns and regulatory non-compliance.
Canceled Products:
- Uptivite Man Tablets – Gentlehills Limited
- Mist Alba Suspension – Gentlehills Limited
- Gentle Hill Cough Syrup – Gentlehills Limited
- Gentlehills Vitamin C Syrup – Gentlehills Limited
The cancellations resulted from manufacturers’ failure to meet safety and efficacy standards.
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