The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a major alert over the circulation of a fake antibiotic drug, Betaclox (Ampicillin 250mg and Cloxacillin 250mg), in Nigeria.
According to NAFDAC, the falsified product was detected after a retail outlet in Zaria, Kaduna State, reported a suspicious batch purchased from a distributor in Kano. Laboratory checks later confirmed the medicine was substandard and fraudulently registered.
In a statement released on Monday, the agency said the fake drug carries a fraudulent NAFDAC Registration Number (A4-4724). The number, NAFDAC explained, actually belongs to Mebendazole 500mg, produced by Chi Ltd., not Betaclox.
NAFDAC disclosed that the falsified Betaclox was allegedly imported by Freeview Pharmaceutical Ltd., which listed its address as No. 128 MCC Road, Calabar, Cross River State. However, the genuine company operates from No. 101 MCC Road, exposing the distributor’s false identity and unauthorized use of the company name.
The fake drug was reportedly manufactured by Saeny Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Kerala, India, under Batch No. 230701, with a manufacturing date of July 2023 and expiry date of July 2026.
The agency described the discovery as a serious public health risk, warning that patients using the fake drug may suffer treatment failure or drug resistance.
To prevent further distribution, NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to begin nationwide surveillance and mop-up operations. Distributors, pharmacists, and healthcare workers are urged to check product packaging carefully and purchase only from authorized suppliers.
NAFDAC also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious medicines to the nearest office or via its toll-free number.
The agency emphasized that the safety of Nigerians remains its top priority. It warned that substandard and falsified medicines can cause severe harm, prolonged illness, or death.
In its final note, NAFDAC assured citizens that enforcement teams are actively tracing the source of the falsified drug and will prosecute all those involved.
Public Alert No. 37/2025 — Alert on the Report of Substandard and Falsified (SF) Betaclox found in Nigeria — has been published on the agency’s official X page, @NafdacAgency.