Ola Akinwunmi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning about counterfeit Oxycontin 80mg tablets circulating in the market. These falsified tablets, detected in an unregulated market in Switzerland, contain undeclared nitazene compounds. These compounds pose a serious risk of adverse health effects, including overdose and death.
NAFDAC reports that the counterfeit product mimics genuine Oxycontin 80mg, which is authorized for sale in Poland. However, it contains synthetic opioids that are significantly more potent than oxycodone. These synthetic opioids have been linked to several deaths and can cause severe health problems such as respiratory depression, low blood pressure, coma, and even death, especially when combined with other depressant drugs.
To help identify the counterfeit tablets, NAFDAC has highlighted the following visual differences:-
Incorrect batch and expiry dates: On the counterfeit product, the batch and expiry dates are visible on the front of the blister strip. The genuine product displays these dates on the back.
Reversed batch and expiry date positions: The counterfeit product shows the expiry date on the left and the batch number on the right. The genuine product shows the batch number on the left and the expiry date on the right.
NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove any counterfeit products found within their respective zones and states.
The agency is also urging importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers to exercise caution and remain vigilant throughout the supply chain. This is to prevent the import, distribution, sale, or use of these falsified Oxycontin tablets.
