The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding falsified Oxycontin 80mg (oxycodone hydrochloride) detected in an unregulated market in Switzerland. The alert, No. 07/2025, was posted on the agency’s website on Thursday.
NAFDAC reported that the genuine manufacturer, MUNDIPHARMA, had alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) about the falsified product in February. The counterfeit Oxycontin 80mg was found to closely mimic the legitimate Oxycontin authorized for sale in Poland. Genuine Oxycontin is a semi-synthetic opioid used for treating moderate to severe pain.
Laboratory tests on the falsified product, conducted by the Drug Information Centre (DIZ) in Zurich, Switzerland, and WHO’s drug-checking service, revealed that the tablets did not contain oxycodone but instead a synthetic opioid, likely a nitazene compound.
NAFDAC explained that Nitazene derivatives, such as metonitazene, isotonitazene, and fluonitazene, are potent synthetic opioids with high addiction potential and severe side effects. These substances can be several hundred times stronger than oxycodone, posing a significant overdose risk. Moreover, limited information exists on their toxicity, side effects, and long-term effects.
NAFDAC confirmed that the identified product is falsified because it intentionally misrepresented its composition and source. The counterfeit product poses a particular risk to individuals with substance use disorders who might mistakenly believe it to be a safe, authentic medicine.
The agency noted visible discrepancies in the falsified product, including incorrect placement of the batch and expiry dates. In the counterfeit, the expiry date appears on the left and the batch number on the right of the blister strip, while genuine Oxycontin places the batch number on the left and the expiry date on the right.
In response, NAFDAC has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to monitor and remove any falsified products found in Nigeria. The agency has urged importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers to exercise caution and ensure that only authentic Oxycontin is imported, distributed, sold, and used.
NAFDAC further advised that all medical products and devices should be sourced from authorized and licensed suppliers. Consumers and healthcare providers are encouraged to carefully check the authenticity and condition of these products. Any suspicion of falsified or substandard medicines should be reported to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s dedicated channels: 0800-162-3322 or email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. NAFDAC also urges healthcare professionals and patients to report any adverse events or side effects associated with the use of medicinal products or devices.
