Unregistered Tarivid (Ofloxacin) 200mg Tablets Found in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public health alert following the discovery of an unregistered batch of Tarivid (Ofloxacin) 200mg tablets in Lagos.

Unregistered Batch Found During Routine Surveillance

The counterfeit product was uncovered during a routine Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) operation in the Onipan area of Shomolu Local Government Area, Lagos State. NAFDAC confirmed that the discovered batch was not authorised for sale or distribution in Nigeria.

Subsequent analysis by Sanofi–Aventis Pakistan’s Anti-Falsified and Illicit Trafficking (AFIT) Central Laboratory confirmed that the affected batch was originally manufactured for the Pakistani market. However, it was diverted and found its way into the Nigerian supply chain without proper authorization.

Risk to Public Health

Using unregistered medicines can pose serious health risks. Such products may be ineffective or improperly stored.

What Patients Should Do

• Stop using the product immediately if you have it in your possession.
• Check the packaging for registration numbers and confirm authenticity before use.
• If you have already used the product and experienced any adverse symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

What Healthcare Professionals Should Do

• Inspect your stock for any unregistered Tarivid (Ofloxacin) 200mg tablets.
• Educate patients on how to identify registered pharmaceutical products.
• Report any suspicious or unregistered products to NAFDAC through the official channels below.

Report Suspicious Products to NAFDAC

NAFDAC is urging the public, pharmacists, distributors, and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and report any sightings of unregistered products. You can contact NAFDAC through:

• Hotline for enquiries: 0700-1-NAFDAC (0700-1-623322)
• To report fake or suspicious drugs: 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322)