The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a safety alert over the discovery of falsified Healmoxy 500mg Capsules, a widely used antibiotic, circulating in Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR).

NAFDAC, however, clarified that following a thorough review of Nkoyo Chemist’s importation records, there is currently no evidence that the falsified batches have entered Nigeria.

Despite this, the regulatory agency has urged importers, pharmacists, healthcare providers, and the general public to remain vigilant and take extra precautions when sourcing medical products.

In a statement released over the weekend, the agency said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had flagged the fake batches during laboratory analysis, revealing that the capsules lacked the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) — Amoxicillin Trihydrate — and displayed inconsistent manufacturing and expiry dates.
Healmoxy Capsules, manufactured by Maxheal Pharmaceuticals (India) and registered in Nigeria by Nkoyo Chemist Ltd, are used to treat various bacterial infections, including those affecting the respiratory tract, skin, gastrointestinal system, and urinary tract.

“All pharmaceutical products must be procured through authorised and licensed suppliers,”

NAFDAC advises and warns that:

“Products should be carefully inspected for physical integrity and verified for authenticity before administration.”

The agency emphasized its ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing the infiltration of counterfeit drugs into the Nigerian market.

Anyone in possession of the affected Healmoxy Capsules or with information about its distribution is encouraged to report immediately to NAFDAC offices nationwide.