The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the circulation of a suspected substandard and falsified antibiotic, BETACLOX (Ampicillin 250mg and Cloxacillin 250mg), which has been discovered within Nigeria’s drug supply chain.
According to a statement released by the agency, the product contains fraudulent registration details and originates from an unverified source, posing a significant threat to public health.
The alert follows a report from a retail outlet in Zaria, Kaduna State, which identified the suspicious product after purchasing it from a distributor in Kano. Investigations revealed that the NAFDAC Registration Number (A4-4724) displayed on the counterfeit BETACLOX package actually belongs to Mebendazole 500mg, manufactured by Chi Ltd., indicating a clear case of number misappropriation.
The counterfeit product, allegedly imported by Freeview Pharmaceutical Ltd., lists its address as No. 128 MCC Road, Calabar, Cross River State. However, verification by NAFDAC confirmed that the genuine Freeview Pharmaceutical Ltd. is registered at No. 101 MCC Road, Calabar, further exposing inconsistencies that suggest the unauthorised use of the company’s identity.
Details of the falsified product include:
– **Product Name:** BETACLOX (Ampicillin 250mg and Cloxacillin 250mg)
– **Batch No.:** 230701
– **Manufacturer:** Saeny Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Kerala, India
– **Manufacturing Date:** 07/2023
– **Expiry Date:** 07/2026
– **Fake NAFDAC Reg. No.:** A4-4724
All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to conduct surveillance and remove the falsified product from all regions. Distributors, pharmacists, and healthcare providers are urged to remain vigilant, ensuring that medicines are sourced only from authorised suppliers and verifying product packaging for authenticity.
Members of the public are advised to report any suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office or call their toll-free number.
**Public Alert No. 37/2025.**
Alert on the Report of Substandard and Falsified (SF) BETACLOX found in Nigeria
#NafdacALERTS
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— NAFDAC NIGERIA (@NafdacAgency) 10 November 2025
