The Enugu State Government has alerted residents to the circulation of counterfeit Augmentin tablets in Nigeria, warning that the fake antibiotic may have found its way into parts of the state and poses serious health risks to consumers.
Key Highlights:
Enugu Government warns of the circulation of counterfeit Augmentin tablets.
Fake Augmentin 625mg tablets bear the same batch number as genuine products.
Counterfeit drugs have inconsistent manufacturing and expiry dates.
Residents advised to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and accredited health facilities.
Suspected cases should be reported immediately to health authorities.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the Enugu State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Chidiogo Ugodu, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu.
According to the statement, intelligence reports indicate that the fake Augmentin 625mg tablets carry the same Batch Number, AC3N, as the authentic product manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
However, the ministry noted that the counterfeit products can be identified by discrepancies in their manufacturing and expiry dates, which are listed as September 2025 and 2028 respectively.
The statement further revealed that the fake medicines exhibit textural inconsistencies and poor-quality packaging seals, raising significant concerns about their safety, quality, and therapeutic effectiveness.
The ministry warned that the circulation of counterfeit Augmentin tablets could endanger public health, as patients may unknowingly consume substandard or ineffective medication.
Residents were advised to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies, registered patent medicine stores, and accredited healthcare facilities.
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The government also urged healthcare providers, pharmacists, and consumers to carefully inspect all Augmentin 625mg tablets before use or dispensing.
“Anyone who suspects possession, distribution, or sale of the counterfeit product should immediately report the matter to the nearest health authority or the Enugu State Ministry of Health,” the statement said.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and called on residents to remain vigilant against fake and counterfeit medicines.
