In a public alert (No. 036/2023) issued on Tuesday, NAFDAC warns Nigerians, especially healthcare providers, about a batch of counterfeit Meronem 1g Injection circulating in the country.
The alert, signed by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, was shared with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
The alert stems from Pfizer, the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH), reporting an incident through a patient notification platform. The reported Meronem 1g injection batch exhibited issues such as the vial content failing to dissolve upon reconstitution and discrepancies in the crimp code compared to production documentation batch codes (2A21F11 and 4A21I17).
Adeyeye emphasized that the production process did not align with Pfizer’s specifications.
Adeyeye said “The vial label compares favourably to the purported artwork version.
“Meronem (Meropenem trihydrate injection) is an antibiotic used to treat skin and abdominal (stomach area) infections caused by bacteria and meningitis (infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) in adults and children 3 months of age and older.
“The administration of the counterfeit product will pose a high risk to patients as the quality and safety are not guaranteed.”
In response, NAFDAC urges healthcare providers and patients to procure medical products exclusively from authorized/licensed suppliers, emphasizing careful authentication of products before purchase and administration.
Importers, wholesalers, and retailers are cautioned against involvement in illegal importation, distribution, and sale of the counterfeit Meronem 1g injection and other substandard medicinal products. Those in possession of the counterfeit product are advised to cease use and submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Adeyeye urges prompt medical consultation for individuals who have used the counterfeit product or experienced adverse reactions.
Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report suspicions of adverse drug reactions, substandard, or falsified medicines to NAFDAC.
Furthermore, NAFDAC emphasizes the importance of reporting adverse events or side effects related to medicinal product use through their offices or e-reporting platforms on the NAFDAC website.
