The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has named four medicines recalled in Pakistan and advised Nigerians against buying or using the affected products.

The products are Nitras tablets, Kadin 2 tablets, Acefyl cough syrup and Loratadine 24 tablets.

NAFDAC said Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority recalled specific batches of the medicines because of quality concerns.

According to the Nigerian regulator, the affected products were classified as adulterated or substandard, with the findings linked to quality defects and contamination.

NAFDAC said use of the medicines could potentially result in reduced therapeutic effectiveness, unexpected adverse reactions and treatment failure.

The agency said the products could affect patients taking medicines for cardiac conditions, allergies, muscle spasms and cough-related illnesses.

NAFDAC provided details of the affected products and their batches.

Nitras tablets, containing glyceryl trinitrate, were manufactured by M/s Caraway Pharma, Rawat. The batch affected is 24L069, which was classified as substandard.

Kadin 2 tablets contain tizanidine hydrochloride and were manufactured by M/S FYNK Pharma, Lahore. The affected batch is 569 and was classified as adulterated.

Acefyl cough syrup contains acefylline piperazine and was manufactured by M/s NABIQASIM Industries, Karachi. The affected batch is ACH479 and was classified as adulterated.

Loratadine 24 tablets contain loratadine and were manufactured by M/S Murfy Pharma, Lahore. The affected batch is 24, which was also classified as adulterated.

NAFDAC said it was taking steps to ensure that the recalled products do not enter Nigeria.

It said its zonal directors and state coordinators had been instructed to conduct surveillance and remove the affected medicines if discovered within their areas.

The agency urged pharmacies, healthcare facilities, distributors and importers to remain vigilant.

It also advised members of the public to purchase medicines only from authorised or licensed suppliers.

NAFDAC said consumers should check the authenticity and physical condition of medicines before use.

The regulator further urged Nigerians to report suspected sales or distribution of substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Members of the public can contact NAFDAC through its toll-free number, 0800-162-3322, to report such cases.