Nigeria has raised concerns over two drugs made in India, citing that they are substandard and contain toxins. The Nigerian government has flagged the drugs as potentially harmful and has issued a warning to its citizens against their use
The two drugs in question are Ciprofloxacin 500mg tablets and Diclofenac Sodium 50mg tablets. These drugs are commonly used to treat bacterial infections and pain relief, respectively. They were manufactured by two Indian pharmaceutical companies, Bliss GVS Pharma Ltd and Astral Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
In a statement issued by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs in Nigeria, the agency said that it had tested the drugs and found them to be substandard and containing toxins that could cause harm to users.
The agency further added that it had ordered the withdrawal of the drugs from circulation and urged healthcare providers and consumers to report any adverse effects associated with the use of the drugs.
This is not the first time that Indian-made drugs have come under scrutiny in Nigeria. In 2019, the Nigerian government banned the importation and distribution of a popular painkiller, Tramadol, which was also manufactured in India. The drug was found to be highly addictive and was being abused by young people.
The Indian pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest in the world and supplies a significant amount of drugs to African countries, including Nigeria. However, the quality of some of these drugs has been called into question, and regulatory bodies in Africa have been stepping up efforts to ensure that only safe and effective drugs are available to the public.
The Nigerian government has urged its citizens to be vigilant when purchasing drugs and to only buy from reputable sources. It has also called on pharmaceutical companies to adhere to international quality standards and ensure that their products are safe and effective.
SOURCE: newsmedical.net
IMAGE: Online
