NAFDAC alerts on fake Ampicillin/Cloxacillin

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public against falsified antibiotic combination of Ampicillin/cloxacillin in circulation in the country.

The agency, in the warning through a Public Alert notice coded 020/2024, stated that its men intercepted those selling the falsified ampicillin – OHEAL Ampicillin/Cloxacillin, warning them to steer clear.

According to NAFDAC, the operation was carried out in collaboration with officers of the police, with preliminary investigation showing that the product was manufactured by the BHARAT Medical Service Ltd., Nungambakkam Road, Coimbatore, Chennai, India.

“Genuine Ampicillin/Cloxacillin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, throat, airway, and skin. It acts by inhibiting growth and thus killing the infection-causing bacteria”, the agency informs warning however of the consumption of the batch of the medicine under reference.

NAFDAC has also warned as false, the NRN (NAFDAC Registration Number) on the said falsified Ampicillin/Cloxacillin, giving its other details as follows:

Product Name: OHEAL Ampicillin and Cloxacillin
Stated Manufacturer: mBHARAT Medical Service Ltd., Nungambakkam Road, Coimbatore, Chennai, India.
Stated NAFDAC Reg.No: B2-9394
Batch number: OML:23028019
Date of manufacture: 03:2023
Expiry date: 02:2026

“Though this falsified product was identified in Onitsha, it may likely have been distributed to other parts of the country through informal markets.

“Consequently, it is important to identify and remove it from circulation to prevent harm to patients”, the agency said.

Accordingly, the agency announce it has taken other measures, directing all NAFDAC zonal Directors and State coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified products within their zones and states.

“NAFDAC implores importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare providers to always exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and administration or use of falsified or substandard medicinal products.

• The Eagle