The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against using Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules.

This follows reports of serious adverse reactions experienced by patients across the country. NAFDAC director-general Mojisola Adeyeye announced this during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

She stated that the agency was investigating the drug manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Limited and marketed by Devine Kings Pharmaceutical Limited, with lot number 4C639001.

She said NAFDAC had received reports of three serious adverse reactions linked to this batch of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules from a hospital.

“In a statement from Mr Kingsley Ekeanyanwu, the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) for Divine King Pharmaceutical Ltd, it was revealed that only 20 packets of the affected batch were produced by Ecomed Pharma Ltd for registration renewal purposes.

“However, 790 packs of batch 4C639001, which were recalled, were not manufactured by the company. The suspected substandard products have been sent for laboratory analysis, and the investigation is ongoing. The quality control and production managers have been invited for further questioning,” she said.

She added, “NAFDAC has also notified the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, which issued the site license for the company, as well as the pharmacist in charge.”

Ms Adeyeye said NAFDAC had urged the public to avoid using Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules from the affected batch.

“Distributors, healthcare providers, and patients are advised to be cautious and vigilant,” the NAFDAC chief stated.

She said the agency also recommended that all medical products be obtained only from licensed suppliers and that their authenticity and physical condition be carefully checked before purchase.

“Anyone with the affected product is urged to submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office immediately. If you or someone you know has used this product and experienced any adverse reactions, seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

“NAFDAC has placed an alert about the recall of this product on December 3, 2024, and consumers are encouraged to report any suspicions of substandard or falsified medicines to NAFDAC via the provided contact information.

“The agency also urges healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of the product through NAFDAC’s e-reporting platforms or the Med-safety app available for download on Android and iOS,” she stated.

(NAN)