The medication contains no active ingredients, making it completely ineffective in treating malaria, according to authorities.

Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued a public health warning on Thursday evening concerning the circulation of a “counterfeit” malaria drug.

The medication in question, Combiart Dispersible Tablets (20/120 mg), is purportedly manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited, an Indian-based pharmaceutical company. According to NAFDAC, the counterfeit product was identified in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Rivers State during routine surveillance activities, as shared in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter).

Strides Arcolab Limited has not yet responded to the situation.

NAFDAC revealed that the drug contains no active ingredients, making it ineffective for treating malaria. Malaria, a potentially fatal disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, remains a major health concern in Nigeria and globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The agency also noted irregularities in the packaging of the counterfeit drug. The registration number on the packet was found to be “incorrect,” and the drug’s manufacturing dates were stated as being between February and June 2023.

NAFDAC urged healthcare professionals and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of the sale of substandard or falsified medications to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The agency emphasized that the counterfeit drug lacks proper quality control, posing serious health risks. It warned that the medication’s ineffectiveness in treating illnesses like malaria could allow the disease to progress, potentially leading to severe complications.