The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned the public about a counterfeit herbal product, “Coco Samba Herbal Mixture 100ml,” in circulation.

NAFDAC disclosed in a statement that the product was seized by German customs and analysed by the German Official Medicines Control Laboratory (OMCL).

The report of analysis, according to NAFDAC, showed that the product contained undeclared amounts of sildenafil (150 mg), which is above the maximum daily dose for sildenafil.

“On further investigation, it was discovered that the NAFDAC Registration Number on the product “A4-9149” is falsified and different from that obtained from the NAFDAC database “A8-4418L” for the geniun product. Laboratory analysis conducted by the Agency also confirmed the presence of undeclared sildenafil content,” NAFDAC said.

Sildenafil is a medicine prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

The agency noted that Sildenafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may cause a significant drop in blood pressure that may be life-threatening.

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.

NAFDAC added that the adult male population, who are most likely to use this product with nitrates (in prescription drugs for cardiac conditions), are most at risk.

While intercepted in Germany, NAFDAC warns that the falsified product may have entered the Nigerian market through informal channels.

“Consequently, it is important to detect and remove it from circulation to prevent harm to consumers.”

NAFDAC, however, urged importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare providers to be vigilant and avoid the importation, distribution, sale and administration or use of falsified or substandard medicinal products or contaminated food products.

“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these medicinal products to the nearest NAFDAC office.” (The Guardian)

•Coco Samba Herbal Mixture

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