NAFDAC Warns of Counterfeit Diabetes Drugs in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the circulation of suspected counterfeit diabetes medications that imitate Forxiga (dapagliflozin) in Nigeria. This warning follows market surveillance conducted by AstraZeneca, which identified products resembling Forxiga® and using similar branding.

NAFDAC stated that genuine Forxiga® is used to manage blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients, reduce cardiovascular risks, and slow chronic kidney disease progression. The counterfeit products, detected in Eastern Nigeria, include one labeled Forzigar with batch number ATE-262, manufactured in March 2025, expiring in February 2028, and another named Foziga with batch number GIB405-, manufactured in June 2024, expiring in May 2027.

NAFDAC is actively investigating the counterfeit drugs' distribution and has instructed zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance to remove these products from the market. The agency advises consumers to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and report any suspected counterfeit products.