The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm over a falsified batch of Giga-S Injection identified in Aba, Abia State.
The falsified batch was purchased from a renowned store located at Araria market in Aba, Abia State.
“Giga–S injection Ceftriaxone + Sulbactam Inj.1.5g IM/IV is indicated for the treatment of severe infections due to susceptible organisms including septicemia; pneumonia; and meningitis”, NAFDAC said.
According to the agency, although this falsified batch product was identified in Abia State, it may likely have been distributed to other parts of the country through informal markets. Consequently, it is important to detect and remove it from circulation to prevent harm to patients.
NAFDAC in a statement implored importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare providers to always exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and administration or use of falsified or substandard medicinal products.
All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
Members of the public in possession of the above product are advised to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. “If you have this counterfeit product, please DO NOT use it. If you, or anyone you know, have used this product, or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicious substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, or call 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application available for download on Android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
According to the agency, this notice will also be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS).
