The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a critical recall notice concerning two specific batches of locally manufactured antibiotics. This decisive action was prompted by findings from recent surveillance and laboratory tests conducted by the agency, which revealed a significant deficiency: both products failed due to unacceptably low active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) content. This serious lapse immediately raises considerable concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of these medicines, which are commonly prescribed to treat a range of bacterial infections.

The drugs identified in this recall are Astamocil (Amoxicillin Suspension 125mg/5ml), specifically Batch No. 826024, and Astamentin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid Suspension), affecting Batches No. 0503024 and 0501724. Both of these pharmaceutical products were produced by Sam-Ace Ltd in Nigeria. NAFDAC made the public announcement regarding this recall on its official X handle, ensuring wide dissemination of this vital health information.

Given the importance of these antibiotics in treating conditions such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, and urinary tract infections, their compromised quality poses a substantial risk to public health. Substandard medications not only fail to treat the intended illnesses but can also contribute to antibiotic resistance and prolong suffering.

In light of these findings, NAFDAC has strongly advised all consumers, healthcare providers, and distributors to exercise extreme caution. They are urged to immediately avoid purchasing or using the identified substandard medicines. Furthermore, the agency has called upon the public to report any suspicions of the sale or use of these recalled batches to the nearest NAFDAC office or by contacting them via email at [email protected]. NAFDAC assured the public that it is actively engaged in efforts to remove all affected batches from circulation, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of the population.