The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning about the circulation of a suspected substandard and falsified antibiotic, BETACLOX (Ampicillin 250mg and Cloxacillin 250mg), discovered within Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
In a statement released by the agency, NAFDAC described the counterfeit drug as a serious public health risk, noting that it carries fraudulent registration details and originates from an unverified source.
The alert followed a report from a retail outlet in Zaria, Kaduna State, which detected the suspicious product after purchasing it from a distributor in Kano. Upon investigation, NAFDAC found that the registration number (A4-4724) printed on the fake BETACLOX packaging actually belongs to Mebendazole 500mg, produced by Chi Ltd., confirming a case of registration number misappropriation.
The falsified BETACLOX product was reportedly imported by Freeview Pharmaceutical Ltd., using a fake address (No. 128 MCC Road, Calabar, Cross River State). Verification by NAFDAC revealed that the legitimate Freeview Pharmaceutical Ltd. is located at No. 101 MCC Road, Calabar, indicating an unauthorized use of the company’s identity.
Details of the falsified product:
- Product Name: BETACLOX (Ampicillin 250mg and Cloxacillin 250mg)
- Batch Number: 230701
- Manufacturer: Saeny Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Kerala, India
- Manufacturing Date: July 2023
- Expiry Date: July 2026
- Fake NAFDAC Reg. No.: A4-4724
NAFDAC has directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and mop up the falsified antibiotic across the country. Distributors, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals have also been urged to remain alert, verify product authenticity, and purchase medicines only from licensed and authorized suppliers.
The agency further advised members of the public to report any suspicious or counterfeit drugs to the nearest NAFDAC office or via its toll-free number, emphasizing that safeguarding the nation’s medicine supply depends on collective vigilance.
What you should know
NAFDAC has confirmed that fake batches of BETACLOX antibiotics are circulating in Nigeria’s drug markets. The counterfeit drug bears a stolen registration number and false company address, posing serious health risks.
Nigerians are urged to buy medicines only from trusted pharmacies and promptly report any suspicious products to NAFDAC.
