Enugu Health Ministry Raises Alarm Over Circulation of Counterfeit Augmentin Tablets

The Enugu State Ministry of Health has issued a public health alert over the circulation of counterfeit Augmentin 625mg tablets in Nigeria, warning that the fake antibiotic may have found its way into the state.

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In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry disclosed that intelligence reports indicate that the counterfeit products bear the same Batch Number, AC3N, as the genuine Augmentin manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), making them difficult to distinguish at first glance.

According to the Ministry, the fake products carry inconsistent manufacturing and expiry dates of September 2025 and 2028 respectively. The counterfeit tablets are also said to exhibit noticeable textural defects and poor-quality packaging seals, raising serious concerns about their safety, quality, and therapeutic effectiveness.

The Ministry warned that the use of counterfeit medicines poses significant health risks, including treatment failure, worsening of illnesses, and the development of antimicrobial resistance.

To safeguard public health, residents have been advised to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and accredited healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers and members of the public are also urged to carefully inspect all Augmentin 625mg tablets before use.

The Ministry further called on individuals who suspect they may be in possession of, or have encountered, the counterfeit product to promptly report the matter to the nearest health authority or directly to the Enugu State Ministry of Health for appropriate action.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of residents, the Ministry urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with health authorities in the fight against counterfeit medicines.

“Together, let us protect our communities from the dangers of counterfeit medicines,” the statement emphasized.

The statement was signed by Ugodu Chidiogo, Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Health.