The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is warning Nigerians about the illegal sale of a substandard insulin syringe called the Knowit Insulin Syringe 40 IU 29g X 1/2. This product is not safe for use, and NAFDAC advises the public to avoid it.
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised concerns about the use of these 40 IU/ml insulin syringes, especially since there are safer alternatives, like the 100 IU/ml syringes, widely available. The 40 IU/ml syringes were previously approved to be used with older animal insulins, but since these insulins are no longer available, the 40 IU/ml syringes have become outdated and are no longer registered with NAFDAC. Using them can lead to serious dosing errors for diabetic patients.
The Risks
Using a 40 IU/ml syringe to inject 100 IU/ml insulin is risky. Many patients may not be able to do the complex math needed to adjust their doses correctly. Mistakes in insulin dosing can be life-threatening and could cause severe health issues for those with diabetes.
Illegal marketing of poor-quality medical products threatens public health. Medical products that do not meet safety standards cannot be trusted for effectiveness.
Product Information
- Product Name: Knowit Insulin Syringe
- Generic Name: Insulin Syringe 40IU 29G x 1/2
- NAFDAC Registration Number: 03-2933 (Note: This registration number is fake; the product license expired in 2019)
- Manufacturing Date: August 2020
- Expiry Date: August 2025
- Distributor: Chivic Limited
- Manufacturer: Unknown
Actions Taken
NAFDAC has instructed local directors and state coordinators to monitor and remove these substandard products from the market.
Healthcare professionals, importers, distributors, and retailers are urged to be vigilant. They must ensure that any medical products they use come from registered and authorized suppliers. It’s crucial to verify the quality and authenticity of these products.
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Reporting Concerns
Anyone suspecting they have encountered substandard or fake medicines should report it to the nearest NAFDAC office, call NAFDAC at 0800-162-3322, or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
Healthcare workers and patients are also encouraged to report any side effects or problems related to medical products to NAFDAC. They can do this through the NAFDAC website or the Med-Safety application available for download.
This alert will also be shared on the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) to ensure wider awareness.
