The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has identified a fake COVID-19 Antigen rapid test kits been sold currently in medicine stores, online inclusive.
The drug control agency alerted the citizens in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, noting that the fake product is been packaged and distributed claiming to have the endorsement of the government authorities, such as Health Canada.
NAFDAC revealed that the counterfeit BTNX Incorporated COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits were communicated to the agency by Health Canada.
According to Health Canada, it found out the fake test kits were sold online in 25-pack boxes by a distributor called Healthful Plus who does not have the required licence.
It said the packaging of the counterfeit kits is almost a total replica of the authentic BTNX Inc. products in colour and typeface and uses the BTNX Incorporated.
It said that the device identifier has “COV-19C25”, but also has several key differences, adding that it was labelled as manufactured by “Health Advance Inc.” instead of BTNX Inc. NAFDAC stated that on the packaging Health Advance was identified as the “Official Canadian Distributor of the counterfeit products.
Genuine COVID-19 Antigen test kit helps detect certain proteins in the virus. Rapid antigen tests are designed to tell in a few minutes whether someone is infected or not.
It is recommended as a high performing test for individuals with symptoms, high-risk populations and healthcare or casual workers.
Counterfeit health products are imitations of authentic products.
The safety and effectiveness of these counterfeit test kits have not been assessed.
The genuine manufacturer BTNX Inc. has confirmed that the devices were counterfeit,” NAFDAC said. Due to this, the drug agency admonished Nigerians, especially wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies and consumers to ensure that their products are obtained from authentic and reliable sources.
It also encouraged healthcare providers to Increase vigilance within the supply chain to avoid importation, distribution, sale or use of the counterfeit COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits.
It advised healthcare providers to prevent the administration of the product to unsuspecting patients, adding that the products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
NAFDAC warned that anybody in possession of the counterfeit product should immediately discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest agency office.
Healthcare providers and consumers are encouraged to also report suspected counterfeit health products to NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
