Nigerian government raises alarm over circulation of fake gonorrhea anti-bacteria injection
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm against circulating suspected fake “Tandak Injections” in Nigeria, warning citizens, particularly healthcare providers, against using the counterfeit injection 1.5g powder and water for injection.
Penpushing reports that the agency in a statement disclosed that the fake anti-bacteria injection, deadly cough syrup said to be manufactured by Intracin Pharmaceuticals, a human and veterinary health products manufacturer in Gujarat, India is currently being sold to the unsuspecting public.
The statement added that Tandak Injection, a co-formulation of Ceftriaxone 100mg and Sulbactam 500mg, is prescribed to treat various bacterial infections in the body, such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, UTI infections, meningitis, and nosocomial infections brought on by susceptible bacteria, stressing that the Tandak 1.5g injection works by inhibiting the spread and growth of the microorganisms.
Penpushing further reports that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) disclosed that the product was discovered in Gombe and reported to the agency by “Marcson Healthcare Ltd. – the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH).”
The agency in the statement emphasized and advised against self-prescribing “Ceftriaxone+Sulbactam 1000mg/500mg Injection,” noting that it should only be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Penpushing also reports that warning against the use of counterfeit Tandak injection, the agency equally recalled a children’s cough syrup Benylin Paediatrics after its laboratory analysis showed that the drug contains toxic components.
The Benylin Paediatrics Syrup, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson (J&J), is used to treat cough, fever, and other allergic conditions in children aged 2 to 12, but the agency analysis showed that it has a high level of Diethylene glycol, a chemical toxic to the body, and could have fatal effects when consumed.
Penpushing reports that National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) found out that Benylin Paediatrics syrup cause acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals, and notified the public the recall of the syrup
‘It is notifying the public of the recall of one lot of Benylin Paediatrics syrup manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, following recent toxicity findings in the laboratory on the product. Laboratory analysis conducted on the product showed that it contains an unacceptable high level of Diethylene glycol and was found to cause acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals’, the statement said.
‘Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death’
Penpushing further reports that the agency has therefore instructed anyone in possession of the TANDAK 1.5g injection or the Benylin Paediatrics syrup to discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The authorities have equally directed healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the nearest National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) office.
‘Anyone in possession of the above-mentioned product is advised to immediately discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. If you witness any adverse reaction/event after the use of this product in any children, you are advised to direct such patients for immediate medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional’, the agency emphasised.
Penpushing also reports that the agency in the statement said its zonal directors and state coordinators are to conduct surveillance and stop these products from circulating in their respective jurisdictions, adding that suspicion of substandard and falsified medicines can also be reported to 0800-162-3322 or emailed to [email protected].
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