The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert over the circulation of suspected counterfeit versions of Forxiga (dapagliflozin) in the Nigerian market. The agency warned that using these fake medicines could lead to treatment failure, worsening of underlying conditions, and other serious health risks.
Discovery and Source of Counterfeit Products
According to NAFDAC's Public Alert No. 036/2026, published on its X handle on Thursday, August 6, the suspected counterfeit products were identified following surveillance activities by AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of the genuine drug. AstraZeneca notified NAFDAC after spotting products with names similar to Forxiga® and packaging that imitated the company's brand identity and logo.
The agency confirmed that the suspected counterfeit drugs were discovered in Eastern Nigeria. One product, identified as Forzigar, carries batch number ATE-262, with a manufacturing date of March 2025 and expiry date of February 2028, listing Alliaance Biotech as the manufacturer. Another product, Foziga, bears batch number GIB405-, with a manufacturing date of June 2024 and expiry date of May 2027, and lists Medico Remedies Ltd as the manufacturer.
Health Risks and Implications for Patients
Genuine Forxiga® (dapagliflozin) is a prescription medicine used to improve blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes, reduce cardiovascular deaths and hospitalisations among heart failure patients, and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. The counterfeit versions may contain incorrect ingredients, wrong dosage strengths, harmful contaminants, or lack the active ingredient entirely.
“Counterfeit medicines may contain incorrect ingredients, the wrong dosage strength, harmful contaminants, or may not contain the stated active ingredient,” the agency stated. “Use of such products may result in treatment failure, worsening of the underlying medical condition, adverse health consequences, or other serious risks to patient safety.”
NAFDAC's Response and Investigation
NAFDAC has commenced investigations into the source and distribution channels of the suspected counterfeit medicines. The agency has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop-up operations to remove any fake products from circulation.
“NAFDAC is investigating the distribution and source of the suspected counterfeit products. All zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to conduct surveillance and mop-up activities to identify and remove any counterfeit product from circulation in Nigeria,” the agency said.
Advisory to Consumers and Healthcare Professionals
The regulator advised consumers and healthcare professionals to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorised distributors. The public is urged to carefully inspect drug labels and packaging before buying or using any medication. NAFDAC also encouraged Nigerians to report suspected substandard or falsified medicines through the agency's offices nationwide, dedicated telephone lines, email channels, or online adverse event reporting platforms.
