The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert after discovering a batch of unregistered Tarivid 200mg (Ofloxacin) antibiotics circulating in Shomolu Local Government Area, Lagos State.
In a statement released on Monday, NAFDAC revealed that the product, manufactured by Sanofi, was uncovered during routine post-marketing surveillance in the Onipanu area.
Not Approved for Nigeria
Investigations confirmed that the batch was not intended for the Nigerian market, but was instead manufactured for Pakistan, according to Sanofi’s Anti-Falsified and Illicit Trafficking (AFIT) Central Laboratory.
“The batch is not authorised for distribution in Nigeria and is not under a valid registration with NAFDAC,” the agency stated.
Product Details:
- Name: Tarivid (Ofloxacin 200mg)
- Manufacturer: Sanofi
- Manufacturing Date: September 2023
- Expiry Date: August 2028
- Fake Registration Number: AL016
Why It Matters
Tarivid (Ofloxacin) is an antibacterial medication used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, kidneys, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissue. The sale or use of unregistered medicines carries significant public health risks because:
- Their quality, safety, and efficacy are not guaranteed
- They may cause adverse health effects or treatment failures
Immediate Actions by NAFDAC
- Directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to begin market surveillance and withdraw the affected product
- Warned distributors, healthcare professionals, retailers, and caregivers to be vigilant
- Advised Nigerians to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and suppliers
Report Suspicious Products
NAFDAC urges the public to report suspected fake or unregistered medicines via:
- Toll-Free Number: 0800-162-3322
- Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
