By Biola Lawal
Abuja (Flowerbudnews): Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against use of
a counterfeit batch of Meronem 1g Injection.
In a public alert obtained on Tuesday in Abuja by Flowerbudnews, Prof Adeyeye warned that administration of the counterfeit Meronem 1g Injection could endanger patients as the quality and safety were not guaranteed.
Genuine 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 NAFDAC Boss disclosed that the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) of the original product, Pfizer, reported the incident as received through a patient notification platform, concerning suspicious park of Meronem 1g injection purchased
According to Pfizer, the vial content did not dissolve when reconstituted for use.
”On further visual inspection of the pack, it was observed that; the crimp code does not match the code reported on the production documentation batch of 2A21F11 which is the semi-finished batch used for 4A21I17. This does not meet with the Pfizer’s specifications,’: the public alert stated..
The batch number and expiry date matched an authentic batch of Meronem 1g injection intended for distribution in the Egyptian market.
The vial label compares favourably to the purported artwork version.
”The administration of the counterfeit product will pose a high risk to patients as the quality and safety are not guaranteed.” Prof Adeyeye warned.
Details of the fake products according to NAFDAC , are as follows:
Product NameMeronem 1g IV injectionStated ManufacturerPfizerBatch Number4A21I17Expiry date01/2025Stated Active Ingredients Meropenem trihydrate.
Prof Adeyeye advised Healthcare providers and patients to ”obtain all medical products from authorized/licensed suppliers.”
She added that ”products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked before purchase and administration.”
The NAFDAC Boss also implored importers, wholesalers and retailers to maintain vigilance within the supply chaain @and desist from illegal importation, distribution, and sale of the counterfeit Meronem 1g injection and other counterfeit and substandard medicinal products.
”Anybody possessing the counterfeit product should stop using it and submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office.” She stated.
‘:Seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional if you have used the product, or you suffered an adverse reaction/event having used the produc,t,” Prof. Adeyeye counselled.
‘:Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of adverse drug reactions, or substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng, the NAFDAC Boss said
Healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of a medicinal product 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 (Flowerbudnews)
