Nigeria's NAFDAC warns of counterfeit Forxiga diabetes drug

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued a public alert after market surveillance by AstraZeneca uncovered suspected counterfeit versions of the diabetes medication Forxiga (dapagliflozin) in eastern Nigeria. The fake products, labeled "Forzigar" and "Foziga," bear batch numbers ATE‑262 (manufactured March 2025, expiring February 2028) and GIB405‑ (manufactured June 2024, expiring May 2027) and list Alliaance Biotech and Medico Remedies Ltd as manufacturers.

NAFDAC warned that counterfeit medicines may contain incorrect ingredients, wrong dosages, or harmful contaminants, posing serious health risks such as treatment failure or worsening of the underlying condition. The agency has launched investigations into the source and distribution of the fake drugs and directed zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove any counterfeit products from circulation, urging consumers and health professionals to obtain medicines only from licensed pharmacies.