NAFDAC Denies Banning Amoxicillin in Nigeria, Issues Clarification on Safety Measures
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has firmly denied circulating reports alleging a secret ban on the widely used antibiotic, Amoxicillin, in Nigeria. In a public notice released on its official social media platforms on Monday, February 9, the agency labeled these claims as entirely false and misleading.
Official Statement Refutes False Allegations
NAFDAC clarified that while it routinely conducts targeted safety alerts and recalls for specific batches of medicines found to be substandard or compromised, there is no blanket prohibition on Amoxicillin as a drug category. The agency emphasized its commitment to transparency in regulatory actions.
"NAFDAC has not banned Amoxicillin in Nigeria, either secretly or openly. As a responsible regulatory authority, the Agency publicly notifies Nigerians of any regulatory actions through official channels," the statement explicitly stated.
Details on Safety Communications and Procedures
The regulatory body highlighted that its safety communications, which include Recalls, Safety Alerts, and Blacklists, are meticulously detailed to protect public health. These notifications specify:
- Product names and manufacturers
- Batch numbers and production details
- Necessary actions for patients and healthcare providers
NAFDAC further explained that blacklisting procedures are reserved for companies involved in safety violations, regulatory breaches, or unethical practices, rather than entire drug classes like antibiotics.
Recent Targeted Alerts for Specific Amoxicillin Products
To illustrate its point, NAFDAC cited recent instances of targeted safety actions involving Amoxicillin products:
- In August 2025, Public Alert No. 24/2025 recalled Amoxivue 500mg capsules due to low active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) content.
- In October 2025, Public Alerts Nos. 34 and 35 addressed substandard batches of Astamocil, Astamentin, Annmox, and Jawamox suspensions.
"These actions were specific to identified products and do not constitute a ban on Amoxicillin," the agency reiterated, stressing the distinction between targeted recalls and broad prohibitions.
Call for Reliance on Verified Information
NAFDAC urged the public, healthcare professionals, and all stakeholders to depend solely on verified updates from its official channels. This includes monitoring its website and authenticated social media accounts for accurate regulatory information and safety advisories.
The agency's proactive stance aims to prevent misinformation that could disrupt access to essential medications and undermine public trust in Nigeria's pharmaceutical regulatory framework.
