The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians about the circulation of falsified Artemetrin DS and Ciprofit 500 malaria medicines. Despite being presented as coming from licensed sources, the agency cautioned that the counterfeit products pose serious health risks to the public.

According to NAFDAC, the fake drugs are being distributed in parts of the country and may already be in the hands of unsuspecting patients. The agency stressed that falsified anti-malarial medicines not only fail to cure the disease but could also lead to severe complications, drug resistance, and possible fatalities.

Nigerians are urged to exercise vigilance by checking medicines thoroughly before use and reporting suspicious products to NAFDAC through its official channels. The agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and vowed to intensify crackdowns on the networks behind the fake drugs.