The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the discovery of an unregistered batch of Tarivid 200mg tablets circulating in Nigeria.

The agency revealed that the product was uncovered during a routine surveillance exercise conducted in the Onipan area of Shomolu Local Government Area in Lagos State.

Following an investigation, a representative of the product’s Marketing Authorisation Holder, SANOFI, confirmed that the identified batch was not intended for the Nigerian market. According to the company, the batch in question was manufactured exclusively for the Pakistani market.

The findings were based on an assessment conducted by Sanofi’s Anti-Falsified and Illicit Trafficking (AFIT) Central Laboratory. The lab concluded that the batch is not authorised for sale or distribution in Nigeria and is not covered under any product registration with NAFDAC.

Tarivid, a brand of the antibacterial agent Ofloxacin, is commonly prescribed for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including those affecting the respiratory tract, kidneys, skin, soft tissue, and urinary tract.

NAFDAC has urged healthcare professionals and the general public to remain vigilant and to report any suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines and medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical products in circulation across the country.