NAFDAC warns of fake Risperdal tablets from Turkey flooding markets

Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent alert on Saturday about unauthorised Risperdal 2 mg tablets circulating in Kaduna State, confirming the batch was illegally diverted from the Turkish market.

In its statement on Saturday, NAFDAC revealed, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is alerting the public about the circulation of an unauthorised and unregistered Risperdal 2 mg tablet brand formulation in Nigeria, specifically in Kaduna state.”

Johnson & Johnson, the Marketing Authorisation Holder, verified the product was meant for Turkey but ended up in Nigeria via illicit channels.

“According to Johnson & Johnson… the batch was intended for the Turkish market but was illegally diverted to Nigeria.

The product was purchased outside the authorised distribution network of Johnson & Johnson in Nigeria.”

Risperdal treats schizophrenia, bipolar disorder in adults and children over 10, and behavioral issues in autistic children aged 5-16.

NAFDAC highlighted grave dangers, “Using unregistered drugs carries serious public health risks, such as potential poisoning, treatment failure, and even death.

“The safety, quality, and effectiveness of unregistered products cannot be assured… Pharmaceutical products bought from unauthorised or unregistered sources may be counterfeited, falsified, stolen, recalled, or not approved by local regulatory authorities.”

The agency urged the public to avoid unregistered sources and report suspicious products.