Agency says fake Forxiga products detected in Eastern Nigeria pose serious health risks.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of suspected counterfeit versions of the diabetes medicine Forxiga (dapagliflozin), warning that the products could pose serious health risks.
The agency disclosed that the suspected counterfeit medicines were detected during market surveillance conducted by pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and reported to NAFDAC.
The warning was contained in Public Alert No. 036/2026 published on the agency’s official X handle on Thursday.
According to NAFDAC, AstraZeneca identified products bearing names similar to its registered brand, Forxiga®, while also imitating the company’s logo and brand identity.
The agency explained that genuine Forxiga® (dapagliflozin) is prescribed to control blood sugar in patients with Type 2 diabetes, reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalisation in heart failure patients, and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.
NAFDAC warned that counterfeit medicines may contain the wrong ingredients, incorrect dosage, harmful contaminants or no active ingredient at all, resulting in treatment failure, worsening health conditions and other serious safety risks.
The agency said the suspected counterfeit products were found in Eastern Nigeria.
One of the fake products, branded Forzigar, bears batch number ATE-262, a manufacturing date of March 2025, an expiry date of February 2028, and lists Alliaance Biotech as the manufacturer.
The second product, branded Foziga, bears batch number GIB405-, a manufacturing date of June 2024, an expiry date of May 2027, and lists Medico Remedies Ltd as the manufacturer.
NAFDAC clarified that the authentic medicine is marketed as Forxiga® (dapagliflozin) and manufactured by AstraZeneca.
The agency said investigations have commenced to trace the source and distribution channels of the suspected counterfeit medicines, while all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to intensify surveillance and remove the fake products from circulation.
NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare professionals to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorised distributors, carefully inspect product labels before use, and promptly report any suspected counterfeit or substandard medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s official reporting platforms.