NAFDAC raises alarm over suspected circulation of fake diabetes drugs in Nigeria

ABUJA — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against suspected counterfeit versions of Forxiga (dapagliflozin) reportedly circulating in the Nigerian market.

The agency said the products were identified through market surveillance conducted by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, the manufacturer associated with the genuine medicine.

NAFDAC issued the warning in Public Alert No. 036/2026, published on Thursday, after AstraZeneca notified the regulatory agency about products bearing names similar to Forxiga® and designed to imitate the company’s branding and logo.

The development has raised concerns over the safety of patients who may unknowingly purchase the suspected falsified medicines.

What genuine Forxiga is used for

Forxiga® contains dapagliflozin and is a prescription medicine used in the management of several serious conditions.

According to NAFDAC, the genuine drug is used to help control blood sugar levels in people living with Type 2 diabetes, reduce cardiovascular deaths and hospitalisations among certain patients with heart failure, and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.

The agency stressed that counterfeit versions cannot be assumed to contain the same ingredients or strength as the approved medicine.

“Counterfeit medicines may contain incorrect ingredients, the wrong dosage strength, harmful contaminants, or may not contain the stated active ingredient.

“Use of such products may result in treatment failure, worsening of the underlying medical condition, adverse health consequences, or other serious risks to patient safety,” it stated.

NAFDAC warns patients and medicine sellers

The agency’s alert highlights the wider danger posed by falsified medicines, particularly when counterfeit products mimic the appearance and branding of recognised pharmaceutical brands.

Patients who rely on medicines such as dapagliflozin may be especially vulnerable because taking an ineffective or incorrectly formulated product could leave an underlying condition untreated while creating additional health risks.

NAFDAC’s warning therefore serves as a reminder that patients should obtain prescription medicines through legitimate, regulated channels and should not rely solely on packaging or brand appearance when determining whether a product is genuine.

The agency’s latest alert also reinforces the importance of checking suspected medicines through official regulatory channels and reporting suspicious products to the appropriate authorities.

With the suspected Forxiga imitations now under regulatory scrutiny, NAFDAC is urging the public to exercise caution and avoid using any product believed to be counterfeit or otherwise unauthorised.