NAFDAC Warns Nigerians About Suspected Counterfeit ORACIRE+ Toothpaste

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the circulation of suspected counterfeit ORACIRE+ Toothpaste in Nigeria. The product is reportedly being distributed in a way that may make it appear similar to the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste manufactured by Aspira Nigeria Limited. NAFDAC’s market surveillance identified the suspected counterfeit at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin, Lagos, prompting the agency to begin further investigations into its distribution.

Me & You Pharma Takeaways

• NAFDAC has identified ORACIRE+ Toothpaste as a suspected counterfeit product.
• The product closely resembles the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste, potentially making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between them.
• The suspected counterfeit product has an unknown manufacturer, and its composition, safety, and quality have not been verified.
• NAFDAC detected the product during market surveillance at Ojuwoye Market, Mushin, Lagos.
• Consumers should purchase toothpaste from reputable and authorised outlets and carefully examine packaging before buying.
• Anyone who suspects that ORACIRE+ Toothpaste is being sold should report it to NAFDAC.

What Happened?

NAFDAC has issued an alert concerning the circulation of ORACIRE+ Toothpaste, which the agency suspects is being marketed under the appearance of the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste.

The suspected counterfeit was identified following a complaint and market intelligence report. During surveillance at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin, Lagos, NAFDAC found that the product closely resembled the registered toothpaste in its packaging and overall appearance.

While ORACARE+ Toothpaste is listed with Aspira Nigeria Limited as the manufacturer/Marketing Authorisation Holder, the manufacturer of ORACIRE+ is unknown.

NAFDAC has commenced surveillance and investigation activities to determine the extent of the product’s distribution and take appropriate regulatory action.

Why It Matters To Your Health

Counterfeit personal care products can pose a health concern because their ingredients, manufacturing conditions, quality, and safety may not have been properly established.

In this case, NAFDAC has stated that the origin, composition, safety, and quality of ORACIRE+ Toothpaste have not been verified. This means consumers cannot assume that the suspected counterfeit has the same ingredients, manufacturing standards, or safety profile as the genuine ORACARE+ product.

The similarity between the names and packaging is particularly important. A consumer who sees ORACIRE+ may mistake it for ORACARE+, especially if the differences between the two products are not immediately obvious.

Using a product that has not been verified by the regulator may expose consumers to unknown ingredients or quality problems. It can also make it more difficult to determine who is responsible for the product if an adverse reaction or other problem occurs.

The alert therefore highlights the importance of buying personal care products from reliable sources and paying attention to the product name, manufacturer, packaging, and source of supply.

What You Can Do

When purchasing toothpaste:

• Check the product name carefully. ORACIRE+ is not the same product as ORACARE+.
• Buy toothpaste from reputable pharmacies, supermarkets, or authorised outlets.
• Examine the packaging before purchase and look for unusual differences in printing, labelling, spelling, or overall appearance.
• Avoid purchasing products from unknown or unverified sellers.
• If you have purchased the suspected ORACIRE+ product, avoid using it until you have obtained appropriate guidance.
• Report suspected sales or distribution of the product to NAFDAC.
• If you experience an unexpected reaction after using a toothpaste or other personal care product, speak with a healthcare professional.

Understanding The Issue

Counterfeit products are designed or presented in a way that can make them appear to be genuine products. In some cases, counterfeiters may imitate a product’s name, packaging, colours, design, or other identifying features. This can make it difficult for consumers to identify the difference, particularly when they are unfamiliar with the genuine product.

NAFDAC’s alert concerns ORACIRE+ Toothpaste, which the agency says closely resembles the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste. The registered product lists Aspira Nigeria Limited as its manufacturer/Marketing Authorisation Holder, while the manufacturer of the suspected counterfeit ORACIRE+ product is unknown.

The suspected counterfeit was identified during market surveillance at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin, Lagos, following a formal complaint and market intelligence report. NAFDAC has subsequently directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to investigate the availability and distribution of the product.

Importantly, NAFDAC has not confirmed the composition or safety profile of ORACIRE+. The agency specifically states that the origin, composition, safety, and quality of the suspected counterfeit have not been verified. Consumers should therefore avoid assuming that the product is equivalent to the registered ORACARE+ toothpaste.

One important misconception to avoid is that a product is genuine simply because its packaging looks professional or closely resembles a familiar brand. Packaging can be copied. Consumers should consider where a product is being purchased and whether the seller is a reputable and authorised supplier.

The alert also demonstrates why consumers should pay attention to seemingly small differences in product names. ORACARE+ and ORACIRE+ are different names, and the similarity between them is one of the concerns raised by NAFDAC.

If you already have ORACIRE+ Toothpaste, particularly if it was purchased from an unfamiliar source, consider not using it until you have clarified its authenticity. If you have experienced irritation, swelling, mouth discomfort, or another unexpected reaction after using a suspected counterfeit personal care product, seek advice from a pharmacist, dentist, or doctor.

NAFDAC is continuing surveillance to determine the extent of the product’s circulation. Consumers and healthcare providers can assist the regulatory process by reporting suspected sales and any adverse events associated with NAFDAC-regulated products.

When To Speak With A Healthcare Professional

Speak with a pharmacist or dentist if you are unsure whether a toothpaste is genuine or if you experience an unusual reaction after using it.

You should seek medical or dental attention if you develop persistent mouth irritation, swelling, pain, an allergic-type reaction, or other symptoms after using a suspected counterfeit product.

Healthcare professionals and consumers should report suspected counterfeit products, product quality concerns, or adverse events to NAFDAC through its official reporting channels.

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Medical Disclaimer

This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and is based on information released by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).