The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the circulation of falsified Oxytocin injections in Nigeria, warning that the products pose serious health risks to mothers and newborns.

Fake Products Discovered in Market Surveillance

The alert follows findings from a Risk-Based Post-Marketing Surveillance (RBPMS) exercise conducted by NAFDAC’s Post Marketing Surveillance (PMS) directorate. During the exercise, officials discovered a product labeled as Gold Vision Oxytocin injection 10IU, carrying a fake NAFDAC Reg. No. A4-9566.

Further investigation revealed three additional falsified injections:

• A-tocin injection

• Extocin Injection

• Claxitodin injection

All four products falsely claim to be manufactured by Anhui Hongye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., China, and marketed by Gold Vision Medicals, Enugu, Nigeria. None of them are registered in NAFDAC’s product database.

Why Oxytocin Is Critical in Maternal Care

Oxytocin is a vital drug in obstetrics, widely used to:

• Induce or strengthen labor

• Control postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)

• Support lactation

The drug works by binding to oxytocin receptors in the uterus, triggering contractions essential for safe childbirth.

Risk Statement: Threats to Mothers and Babies

NAFDAC warns that using unregistered or falsified oxytocin can result in:

• Ineffective uterine contractions during labor

• Uncontrolled postpartum bleeding (PPH)

• Increased risk of emergency interventions like blood transfusions or surgery

• Maternal and neonatal deaths

The agency stresses that such falsified medicines may contain incorrect dosages, no active ingredient, or harmful contaminants, making them life-threatening.

Product Details

• Product Names: Gold Vision Oxytocin injection 10IU, A-tocin injection, Extocin Injection, Claxitodin injection

• Fake NAFDAC Reg. No.: A4-9566

• Claimed Manufacturer: Anhui Hongye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Fengyang East Road, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China

• Claimed Marketer: Gold Vision Medicals, No. 4 Range Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu, Nigeria

Pattern of Counterfeit Alerts in Nigeria

The discovery of falsified oxytocin comes shortly after other major NAFDAC alerts on counterfeit medicines and products, including:

• Ultamins – a falsified multivitamin in circulation

• Postinor-2 – fake emergency contraceptives that put women at risk of unplanned pregnancies and health complications

• Cowbell Milk – counterfeit versions bearing forged NAFDAC numbers

These repeated alerts highlight the growing public health threat posed by counterfeit drugs and consumer goods in Nigeria’s supply chain.

What Healthcare Professionals and Patients Should Do

Both healthcare providers and patients have a role to play in stopping the circulation of falsified oxytocin:

For Healthcare Professionals

• Verify before use: Always check the NAFDAC registration status of oxytocin and other essential drugs before administration.

• Buy from trusted sources: Source all medicines only from licensed, accredited distributors and pharmacies.

• Stay alert in maternity wards: Report unusual drug responses in mothers and newborns immediately, as this may indicate a falsified product.

• Educate patients: Inform expectant mothers about the dangers of purchasing injectable drugs from unverified sources.

For Patients and Families

• Do not self-source oxytocin: Always let a licensed healthcare professional administer oxytocin.

• Check packaging: Look out for spelling errors, fake registration numbers, or poor-quality packaging.

• Report suspicious drugs: If you encounter questionable oxytocin products, report to NAFDAC.

• Seek emergency care: If postpartum bleeding persists despite oxytocin use, request urgent medical attention.

Me & You Pharma’s Commitment to Your Safety

At Me & You Pharma, we remain committed to empowering Nigerians with trusted health information, Pharmacist-led advice, and updates on counterfeit medicines. Our mission is to ensure patients, families, and healthcare providers make safe and informed choices.

We encourage all Nigerians to rely on verified Pharmacies, licensed suppliers, and professional medical guidance when it comes to essential medicines like oxytocin.

Stay Informed, Stay Protected

Counterfeit medicines remain a major public health threat—but with awareness and vigilance, we can protect mothers and families.

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