NAFDAC Delists 101 Drugs From Circulation in Nigeria
Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced today the delisting of 101 pharmaceutical products from circulation within the country, effectively prohibiting their manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, and use.
The agency stated the delisting occurred through a combination of voluntary withdrawals requested by market authorization holders, suspensions, and outright cancellations of product licenses. A suspension is enacted when a product no longer meets the conditions of its registration, while a cancellation signifies a complete revocation of the license. This action aims to safeguard public health by removing potentially substandard or outdated medications from the market.
Among the widely used medications affected are Flagyl suspension and tablets, commonly used to treat diarrhea; Penicillin G Sodium Sandoz, prescribed for bacterial infections; Artemether/Lumefantrine, a key antimalarial treatment; and Elisca eye drops, used for treating infections. Other delisted products include Amaryl M Tablets, Aprovasc 150mg/5mg Tablets, and ASAQ (Artesunate amodiaquine Winthrop) Tablets, all withdrawn voluntarily by Sanofi Aventis Nigeria Ltd. A comprehensive list of affected products can be found on the NAFDAC website.
NAFDAC explained that a certificate of registration is withdrawn when the market authorization holder requests discontinuation of its use. The agency’s actions align with international standards for pharmaceutical regulation, as outlined by organizations like the World Health Organization.
NAFDAC officials stated they will continue to monitor the pharmaceutical market and enforce regulations to ensure the safety and efficacy of all available medications in Nigeria.
