NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians to Suspected Counterfeit Forxiga Products Detected in Eastern Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to two suspected counterfeit medicinal products found in the Nigerian market that mimic AstraZeneca’s Forxiga® (dapagliflozin).

The products, identified as “Forzigar” and “Foziga”, were detected in Eastern Nigeria and have names and packaging features that closely resemble the approved Forxiga brand, according to a public alert issued by NAFDAC on 18 July 2026.

NAFDAC said AstraZeneca notified the agency after market surveillance activities identified the suspected counterfeit products. The products reportedly imitate the AstraZeneca brand identity and logo, creating a potential risk of confusion among healthcare professionals and patients.

Two suspected counterfeit products identified

NAFDAC said the suspected Forzigar product was found in Eastern Nigeria under batch number ATE-262, with a stated manufacturing date of March 2025 and an expiry date of February 2028. The product lists Alliaance Biotech as its manufacturer.

The second product, Foziga, carries batch number GIB405- and states a manufacturing date of June 2024 and an expiry date of May 2027. It lists Medico Remedies Ltd as the manufacturer.

The agency identified the genuine medicine as Forxiga®, with dapagliflozin as its active ingredient. The genuine product is supplied as a film-coated tablet and is marketed by AstraZeneca.

Why the alert matters

Dapagliflozin is used in the management of several important chronic conditions. NAFDAC said genuine Forxiga is prescribed to improve blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes, reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalisation in patients with heart failure, and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.

The presence of suspected counterfeit versions therefore raises concerns beyond brand infringement, particularly if patients or healthcare professionals mistake the products for the genuine medicine.

Counterfeit medicines may contain the wrong active ingredient, an incorrect strength, harmful contaminants or no stated active ingredient at all. Such products can result in treatment failure, adverse effects or worsening of the condition being treated.

NAFDAC orders surveillance and mop-up

NAFDAC said it is investigating the source and distribution of the suspected counterfeit products.

The agency has also directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and mop-up activities aimed at identifying and removing any affected products from circulation.

The development places particular importance on vigilance within the pharmaceutical supply chain, including pharmacies, medicine distributors and other points where medicines are procured and dispensed.

What pharmacists and patients should do

NAFDAC advised consumers and healthcare professionals to exercise caution and avoid the suspected counterfeit products.

The agency recommends purchasing medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorised distributors, while carefully examining product labels and packaging before purchase and use.

Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals should also remain alert to products bearing names, packaging, logos or other features that appear to imitate established brands.

Any suspected substandard or falsified medicine should be reported to NAFDAC for further investigation.

How to report suspected falsified medicines

Consumers and healthcare professionals can report suspected substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office or contact the agency through its dedicated reporting channels.

NAFDAC listed 0800-1-623322 for complaints and sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng for reports relating to suspected substandard and falsified products.

The agency also encouraged healthcare professionals and patients to report suspected adverse events associated with medicines through its pharmacovigilance channels, including the NAFDAC e-reporting platforms and the Med Safety application.

What remains to be established

NAFDAC's alert describes the products as suspected counterfeit medicines, and the agency said investigations into their source and distribution are ongoing.

The alert does not, by itself, establish the full extent of their distribution across Nigeria or confirm how many patients may have been exposed.

For pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, the immediate priority is therefore vigilance: verifying products within the legitimate pharmaceutical supply chain, identifying suspicious products and reporting concerns promptly to the regulator.

As NAFDAC's investigation and market surveillance activities continue, further information from the agency will be important in determining the scope and source of the suspected counterfeit products.