NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to fake diabetes drug in circulation
August 6, 2026 10:12 pm
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has alerted the public to the circulation of suspected counterfeit medicinal products mimicking Forxiga (dapagliflozin) in the Nigerian market, warning that their use could pose serious health risks.
NAFDAC said the suspected counterfeit products were detected in the Nigerian market following market surveillance by pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
This was disclosed in Public Alert No. 036/2026 posted on the agency’s X handle on Thursday.
According to the notice, AstraZeneca notified the agency after identifying products bearing names closely resembling Forxiga® and imitating the company’s brand identity and logo.
NAFDAC explained that genuine Forxiga® (dapagliflozin) is prescribed to improve blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes, reduce cardiovascular deaths and hospitalisations in patients with heart failure, and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.
The agency warned that counterfeit medicines pose serious health risks.
“Counterfeit medicines may contain incorrect ingredients, the wrong dosage strength, harmful contaminants, or may not contain the stated active ingredient.
“Use of such products may result in treatment failure, worsening of the underlying medical condition, adverse health consequences, or other serious risks to patient safety,” it stated.
NAFDAC said the products were detected in Eastern Nigeria.
According to the agency, the suspected counterfeit Forzigar bears batch number ATE-262, with a manufacturing date of March 2025 and an expiry date of February 2028, and lists Alliaance Biotech as the manufacturer.
The second counterfeit product, Foziga, bears batch number GIB405-, with a manufacturing date of June 2024 and an expiry date of May 2027, and lists Medico Remedies Ltd as the manufacturer.
NAFDAC said the authentic product is marketed as Forxiga® (dapagliflozin), a film-coated tablet manufactured by AstraZeneca.
The agency said it had commenced investigations into the source and distribution of the suspected counterfeit medicines.
“NAFDAC is investigating the distribution and source of the suspected counterfeit products. All zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to conduct surveillance and mop-up activities to identify and remove any counterfeit product from circulation in Nigeria,” it said.
The agency urged consumers and healthcare professionals to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorised distributors and to carefully examine product labels and packaging before purchase and use.
It also advised the public to report suspected substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, through its dedicated telephone line, email channels or its online adverse event reporting platforms.
Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.
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