NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Counterfeit Accu-Chek Test Strips in Jos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a serious public health alert regarding the circulation of counterfeit Accu-Chek Instant Test Strips in Jos, Plateau State. The agency revealed that the falsified products bear fraudulent expiration dates and pose life-threatening risks to individuals relying on the test strips for blood glucose monitoring, particularly those living with diabetes.

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Counterfeit Discovery: Repackaged and Revalidated Danger

According to a statement published on NAFDAC’s official website, the counterfeit products were discovered during a market surveillance operation in Jos. The fake test strips were originally manufactured on January 3, 2023, under batch number 302244, with a legitimate expiration date of October 2024. However, criminals altered the packaging to fraudulently extend the shelf life, changing the manufactured date to May 16, 2023, and revalidating the expiry date to December 2025.

The counterfeit strips also carry a falsified reference number: 510542426288, as opposed to the genuine product’s 07819382134. Despite the seemingly professional appearance of the counterfeit packaging, NAFDAC confirmed that the contents are unsafe and not authorized for use.

Health Risks: Inaccurate Readings, Deadly Consequences

The Accu-Chek Instant Test Strip is a globally trusted medical device used by diabetic patients to monitor their blood glucose levels with precision and reliability. However, the use of expired or falsified test strips compromises the accuracy of blood sugar readings, leading to potentially fatal health outcomes.

In its warning, NAFDAC emphasized that inaccurate readings can result in improper insulin or medication dosages, causing either hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Both conditions, if undetected or poorly managed, can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.

“Such inaccuracies may lead to incorrect insulin or medication dosages, exposing users to potentially life-threatening episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia,” the agency warned.

NAFDAC urged healthcare providers, pharmacists, and diabetes patients to remain vigilant, verify product information, and avoid purchasing test strips from unauthorized or unlicensed sources.

Public Call to Action: Report Suspicious Products

NAFDAC is encouraging Nigerians to report any suspicious or unverified medical products through its official communication channels. These include the nearest NAFDAC office, its official website, or the Med-Safety Mobile App, which allows for real-time reporting and response.

The agency stressed that public participation in reporting suspicious items is critical to curbing the spread of counterfeit medical products and safeguarding public health.

“Consumers are also encouraged to report any suspected counterfeit products to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s reporting platforms,” the statement read.

Response Measures: National Surveillance Intensified

In direct response to the discovery, NAFDAC has ordered all zonal directors and state coordinators across the country to intensify market surveillance, particularly in areas where counterfeit Accu-Chek strips may be circulating. Officials have been tasked with conducting inspections, seizing falsified items, and initiating appropriate legal actions against perpetrators.

Importers, distributors, and retailers have also been instructed to verify the authenticity of all medical devices in their inventory. NAFDAC further advised that such stakeholders procure products exclusively from licensed suppliers, ensure proper storage, and cross-check product batch numbers and expiration dates.

Preserving Public Trust in Healthcare Products

The incident is yet another reminder of the increasing sophistication of counterfeit operations in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The deliberate falsification of expiry dates and manufacturing information poses a significant threat to public health and safety.

NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to regulatory vigilance, assuring Nigerians that all necessary steps are being taken to protect the integrity of medical devices in the country. The agency also pledged to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to track down and prosecute individuals or groups behind the counterfeit operation.

“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard public health and ensure that only safe, effective, and quality medical products are available in the Nigerian market,” the agency stated.

 Increased Awareness

This latest alert also highlights the importance of public awareness around medical product safety. Health experts recommend that consumers double-check batch numbers, reference codes, and packaging features before purchasing test strips or similar medical products.

Patients are also encouraged to consult healthcare professionals or pharmacists if they notice discrepancies or if they’re unsure about a product’s authenticity.

As the agency continues its investigations and public awareness efforts, the incident serves as a crucial reminder that health product safety is a shared responsibility between regulatory bodies, healthcare providers, and the public.