The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the circulation of a suspected counterfeit asthma medication, Pulmicort® (Budesonide) Inhalation Suspension, in the Nigerian market.
In Public Alert No. 037/2026, NAFDAC said the suspected falsified product was detected following market surveillance conducted by pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of the genuine Pulmicort®.
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According to the agency, the counterfeit product is marketed as “Ulmicort 0.5 mg/ml Inhalation Suspension”, a name that closely resembles the registered Pulmicort® product and could mislead healthcare professionals and patients.
NAFDAC explained that genuine Pulmicort® (budesonide) is an inhaled corticosteroid used as a maintenance treatment to prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath, as well as for prophylactic therapy.
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The agency said it has commenced an investigation into the source and distribution of the suspected counterfeit product. It added that all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to intensify surveillance and carry out mop-up operations to identify and remove the counterfeit medicine from circulation.
NAFDAC urged consumers, healthcare professionals, distributors, and retailers to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing medicines from unverified sources.
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The agency also advised members of the public to report any suspected sale or distribution of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.