The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a warning about the presence of counterfeit Noristerat Injection 200mg in parts of Nigeria, raising concerns over potential health risks.
According to the agency, the fake contraceptive product has been discovered in Kano, Bauchi, and Niger States, particularly at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre in Kano.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, NAFDAC revealed that the counterfeit product was mislabelled and repackaged from injections containing Chlorpheniramine and Dexamethasone, substances that do not provide birth control protection.
NAFDAC confirmed that the individual responsible for the illegal repackaging has been identified and taken into custody.
“We have successfully tracked and arrested the counterfeiter behind this dangerous act,” the agency stated. “Efforts are ongoing to remove the fake product from circulation and prevent further distribution.”
The agency has urged Nigerians, particularly women using contraceptives, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products to NAFDAC.
“This poses a serious health risk, as unsuspecting women may be using a product that offers no contraceptive protection,” NAFDAC warned.
To help the public identify the counterfeit injection, NAFDAC provided key details of the fake Noristerat 200mg, including, Registration Number: 04-5715, Manufacturing Date: September 2022, Expiry Date: September 2027, Lot Number: KT02TTK.
Genuine Noristerat 200mg is a contraceptive injection that provides pregnancy protection for eight weeks, designed for short-term birth control.
However, the fake version circulating in the market does not offer any contraceptive protection and could result in unintended pregnancies, among other health complications.
The agency assured Nigerians that it remains committed to safeguarding public health by tightening surveillance measures to prevent similar incidents.
“We call on healthcare providers, pharmacists, and the general public to report any suspicious Noristerat Injection to NAFDAC. Your cooperation is vital in protecting public health,” the statement emphasized.
