The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has intercepted huge consignments of fake aphrodisiacs known as Heragra and Ziagra, peddled in the market as remedies for erectile dysfunction.
Manufacturers of the fake drugs target users of the popular Viagra.
In another development, officials of the agency acting on a tip-off, also intercepted five containers of counterfeit drugs and products, including counterfeit Alomo bitters, Diclofenac and Tramadol. The four 40ft containers and 20ft container of fake drugs and products were valued at N270 million.
Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, who announced the seizures and the arrest of one Kanayo Onyeabor, allegedly behind the importation of the drugs, said consumption of the drugs could result in chest pain, uncomfortable penile disfunction, heart attack and even death. According to Orhii, unregistered Heragra and Ziagra brands of sildenafil citrate tablets is usually registered in 25 mg, 50mg and 100mg but the intercepted unregistered Heragra and Ziagra came in a strength of 120mg. “These products are known drugs of misuse and abuse which can result in serious health problems such as increased blood pressure (BP), stroke, ulceration of the gastro-intestinal tract, tolerance and dependence.
“May I also point out here that the importation of overdose of this drug are stroke, liver diseases, kidney disease swelling of the face, swelling of the tongue and skin disease,” he said.
He added that sildenafil citrate tablet is a “Prescription Only Medication (POM) for managing erectile disfunction while Tramadol is also a POM for managing severe pain and under strict control in Nigeria.
The Director General of NAFDAC said: “These products have not been tested and certified by NAFDAC. Therefore, their quality and safety are not guaranteed,” adding, “but “for the timely intervention of NAFDAC, it would have found its way into circulation.”
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