NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Over Circulation of Fake Dostinex Tablets

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over the circulation of counterfeit Dostinex (0.5mg) tablets in Nigeria, warning that falsified and unregistered medicines pose serious risks to public health.

In a statement issued on Monday, the agency alerted healthcare providers, patients, and the general public to the falsification and parallel importation of three batches of a NAFDAC-registered product, Dostinex 0.5mg tablets.

Citing Pfizer Nigeria Ltd, the marketing authorisation holder of the product, NAFDAC said the pharmaceutical firm confirmed the presence of falsified and unregistered imported versions of the drug in circulation.

According to Pfizer Nigeria, although the legitimate product has been duly registered, it has not yet been officially imported into Nigeria. Dostinex 0.5mg is prescribed to reduce prolactin secretion, helping to manage symptoms associated with elevated prolactin levels.

NAFDAC stressed that the effectiveness and safety of medicines depend on strict compliance with regulatory standards. The agency warned that falsified, unlicensed, and unregistered drugs cannot be guaranteed in terms of quality, safety, or efficacy.

“Falsified, unlicensed, and unregistered medicines present significant risks to public health,” the agency said, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious pharmaceutical products to the appropriate authorities.