NAFDAC Warns Nigerians over unregistered Tarivid Ofloxacin 200mg in circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a public alert regarding an unregistered batch of Tarivid 200 mg (Ofloxacin) detected in Lagos State.

The discovery came during a routine surveillance in Shomolu, where NAFDAC’s Post‑Marketing Surveillance officers identified the product on sale.

Further investigation revealed that the batch, manufactured by Sanofi in September 2023 with an expiry date of August 2028, was originally intended for the Pakistani market and not authorised for distribution in Nigeria. Since the product lacks NAFDAC approval, its safety, quality, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.

In response, NAFDAC has ordered zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify nationwide surveillance and remove the affected batch from circulation.

Distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers are urged to source medications only from licensed suppliers and verify product authenticity  .

The agency also encouraged public reporting of suspected fake or substandard medicines and adverse drug reactions through its electronic platforms or nearest offices .

The alert has been uploaded to the WHO’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System to assist global tracking of counterfeit drugs  .

Ofloxacin, the active ingredient in Tarivid, is a broad‑spectrum antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including those affecting the respiratory tract, urinary system, skin, and soft tissues.