• NAFDAC bans the registration of Multi-Dose Anti-Malarial (Artemether/Lumefantrine) dry powder for oral suspension.

• The agency blacklists Aveo Pharmaceuticals and bans Tapentadol and Carisoprodol Combination – Tafrodol or Royal 225

• NAFDAC approves the use of the Gardasil Vaccine as a Single Dose in Routine Immunization against HPV

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced its ban on some drugs commonly taken by Nigeria, says they aren’t healthy for human consumption. The agency also went further to approve the Gardasil vaccine which would help combat Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.

On discontinuation of the registration of Multi-Dose Anti-Malarial (Artemether/Lumefantrine) dry powder for oral suspension.

The agency said the decision was made due to the instability resulting from the formulations from dry powder suspension, which can lead to a loss of efficacy over time. It also discovered that artemether/lumefantrine oral suspension loses its stability after mixing, resulting in a loss of efficacy over time.

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Some research studies have proven that  when a medication loses its effectiveness, it can lead to various health issues, such as the worsening of the condition being treated, an increased risk of complications, delays in treatment, and severe cases, which can lead to death.

The ban placed by NAFDAC on dry powder suspension affects all brands of (Artemether/Lumefantrine) dry powder. Furthermore, the importation sales and sales distribution of the drugs have been mandated to stop immediately. Individuals are to report anyone found guilty of violating this injunction to NAFDAC for appropriate actions to be taken.

Blacklist of Aveo Pharmaceuticals, producers of Tafrodol or Royal 225, painkillers

NAFDAC has banned a muscle relaxant drug ( Pain relief/ pain killers) Tafrodol or Royal 225. These drugs are produced by Aveo Pharmaceuticals, based in Mumbai, India under the management of  Vinod Sharma.

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BBC reported this Pharmaceutical outlet is behind the increasing public health crisis in parts of West Africa as their products have been illegally exported to countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote d’Ivoire. Currently, Aveo Pharmaceuticals has been blacklisted by NAFDAC as the drug mixture has been found to contain harmful substances like Tapentadol (a powerful opioid), and Carisoprodol, which can cause huge damage to the human body as a result of the high tramadol composition found in them.

NAFDAC further reveals that the drugs are not licensed for use anywhere in the world nor is it registered by NAFDAC. Associated risks from drug use include breathing difficulties, seizures, and death especially if overused.

However, despite the efforts to address this ill, opioids are still popular as street drugs in many West African countries, because they are so cheap and widely available. However public has been warned to avoid these drugs because of the associated risk factors.

On approval of the Gardasil Vaccine as a Single Dose in the Immunization against HPV

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been discovered as the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract which causes different impediments in men and women and can lead to cancer if left unchecked. As a common sexually transmitted infection, HPV can cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and other cancers.

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In Africa, about 119,000 new cases and 81,000 deaths from cervical cancer occurred in 2020, accounting for 22.5% of the global burden according to World Health Organization (WHO). Cancer is one of the  major leading diseases in Africa and Nigeria being the most populated is usually an attack center.

NAFDAC has taken this initiative and has approved the administration of Gardasil for girls and boys aged 11 to 12 years, which can be given as early as 9 years or as late as 26 years. The vaccine is given in two or three doses, depending on the age of the person receiving it.

Gardasil is the vaccine that will combat Human papilloma virus (HPV) fiercely and prevent cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and other cancers as stated by NAFDAC. Your child needs the Gardasil vaccine today.

What to know about NAFDAC

NAFDAC is the regulatory body that oversees aallactivities involving the registration, sale, distribution and use of food, drugs and other consumable products in Nigeria.

It was established in 1993 by Decree 15, later amended by the decree 1999. It’s acronym “NAFDAC” stands for National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. The current Director is  Prof. Moji Adeyeye. As a Federal agency, it ensures that only quality products are manufactured, imported, exported, and sold. It also protect public health and encourage healthy living. NAFDAC has the responsibility to place a ban on the sale of counterfeit, fake, and unwholesome products in Nigeria.