The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning. They alert about the circulation of fake Oxycontin in Nigeria. Oxycontin is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. However, the fake version of the drug can cause serious health complications, including death.
According to NAFDAC, the fake Oxycontin is packaged in a way that makes it difficult to distinguish. It is hard to tell it apart from the genuine product. The agency warned that the fake drug contains harmful ingredients. These include fentanyl, which can cause respiratory depression and death.
NAFDAC issued the public warning due to the increasing number of reports about the circulation of fake Oxycontin in Nigeria. The agency is concerned about the sale of the fake drug to unsuspecting members of the public. They are not aware of the risks associated with its use.
The use of fake Oxycontin can cause serious health complications, including:
– Respiratory depression can occur.
– There is a risk of death.
– Addiction is possible.
– Overdose can happen.
– Be mindful of interactions with other medications.
NAFDAC has provided some tips on how to identify fake Oxycontin:
– Look at the packaging: Fake Oxycontin have poor packaging or misspelled labels.
– Verify the manufacturer: Genuine Oxycontin is manufactured by Purdue Pharma.
– Check the expiration date: Fake Oxycontin may have an expired or missing expiration date.
– Be wary of cheap prices: Fake Oxycontin may be sold at a cheaper price than the genuine product.
If you have fake Oxycontin, NAFDAC advises that you:
- – Do not use the drug
– Return the drug to the seller
– Report the incident to NAFDAC
NAFDAC has been working to combat the circulation of fake drugs in Nigeria. The agency has implemented various measures, including:
– Surveillance: NAFDAC has increased surveillance at ports and borders to prevent the entry of fake drugs.
– Inspections: The agency conducts regular inspections of pharmacies and other outlets to ensure compliance with regulations.
– Public awareness: NAFDAC has launched public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of fake drugs.
The circulation of fake Oxycontin in Nigeria is a serious public health concern. NAFDAC’s public warning is a timely reminder of the dangers associated with the use of fake drugs. The public is advised to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to NAFDAC.