The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the illegal sale and distribution of an unregistered brand of condoms in Nigeria – Foula Condoms.
NAFDAC said officials from the Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate discovered Foula condoms (packaged in threes) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State.
It added that the discovery was made during a Risk-Based Postmarketing Surveillance study on registered condoms in Nigeria. It said, “The condom is not registered by NAFDAC for use in Nigeria, and the product’s labelling is not in English.
“Condoms are a proven effective barrier method that can be used as a dual-purpose method for both prevention of unintended pregnancy and protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. To be most effective, any barrier method used for contraception or preventing infection must be used correctly.”
It stated that the illegal distribution or sale of unregistered condoms poses a risk as the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed.
“The purchase and use of poor-quality condoms will adversely affect every aspect of condom promotion for the prevention of unintended pregnancy, and protection against HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). If condoms leak or break, they cannot offer adequate protection.
“All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to mop up the unregistered products within the zones and states. Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid importing, distributing, selling, and using illegally distributed products.
‘’All medical products/devices must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked. Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices 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,” NAFDAC stated.
…Warns Against Use Of Nivea Deodorant
In a related development, NAFDEC alerted Nigerians to the recall of Nivea Black and White Invisible Roll-on deodorant, 50ml labelled as providing 48-hour protection in African climates, following a warning from the European Union Rapid Alert System for Dangerous non-food products in Brussels.
In a notice, NAFDAC stated that the product’s batch number is 93529610. “The recalled Nivea product is reported to contain 2-(4-tert-Butyl benzyl)propionaldehyde, a chemical prohibited in cosmetic products due to its potential to cause harm to the reproductive system, impair the health of an unborn child, and cause skin irritation and burns to users,” the agency explained.
NAFDAC added that the product is manufactured in Germany with Bar Code Number 42299882. It advised importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the affected Nivea Roll-on with the specified batch.
“Members of the public in possession of the affected batch should cease sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng, or through the Med-safety application available for download on Android and iOS,” it added.
