How to Spot Fake Drugs in Nigeria: A Consumer's Guide

The first line of defence against fake drugs is careful physical inspection of the product before purchase and use. While sophisticated counterfeits can be very difficult to distinguish from genuine products, many fake drugs in Nigeria have detectable physical defects that an informed consumer can spot. Start with the packaging: examine the outer carton and inner packaging for print quality. Genuine pharmaceutical products are typically printed with high-quality, sharp, consistent colours and text. Counterfeit products often have blurred printing, colour inconsistencies, misaligned text, or variations in shade compared to known genuine products.

Check for spelling and grammatical errors on the packaging, patient information leaflet, and labels. Legitimate pharmaceutical manufacturers have rigorous quality control processes for packaging materials, and errors in spelling, grammar, or product information are a strong indicator of a counterfeit. Pay particular attention to the product name, active ingredient name, manufacturer name, and address. Even small differences from the expected text — such as a misspelled city name or a slightly altered company logo — should raise suspicion.

Examine the tablets or capsules themselves if possible. Genuine tablets typically have uniform size, shape, colour, and weight. They should have clear, well-defined markings (debossing or embossing) where applicable. Fake tablets may be uneven in size or shape, have rough or crumbly surfaces, show colour variations within the same batch, or have poorly defined markings. Capsules should be of consistent size and colour, with neat sealing. If a tablet crumbles easily, has an unusual taste or odour, or dissolves abnormally quickly or slowly in water, it may be counterfeit.

Inspect security features on the packaging. Many genuine pharmaceutical products sold in Nigeria incorporate security features such as holographic stickers, tamper-evident seals, unique serial numbers, and colour-shifting inks. If you are familiar with the genuine product, compare the security features on the product you have purchased. Missing, poorly reproduced, or different security features are a warning sign. Some manufacturers also include QR codes or authentication numbers that can be verified through their websites or customer service lines.

Pay attention to the overall 'feel' of the product. Genuine pharmaceutical products are manufactured under strict quality control conditions, and the overall presentation — from the box construction to the blister pack sealing to the leaflet folding — tends to be precise and consistent. Counterfeit products, produced under less controlled conditions, often have subtle differences in paper quality, cardboard thickness, glue application, and general finish. If a product looks or feels different from what you normally use, even if you cannot pinpoint exactly what is wrong, trust your instinct and verify before taking it.

Every pharmaceutical product legally sold in Nigeria must carry a valid NAFDAC registration number on its packaging. This number is assigned after NAFDAC has reviewed and approved the product's safety, quality, and efficacy. The absence of a NAFDAC registration number is the single most reliable indicator that a product is either unregistered (and therefore illegal) or counterfeit. Before purchasing any medication, always look for the NAFDAC registration number on the packaging.

NAFDAC registration numbers follow a specific format that typically includes a prefix indicating the product category (for example, 'A' for drugs, 'B' for biologicals), followed by a series of digits. The exact format can vary depending on the product type and when it was registered. A valid NAFDAC number should match the format used by the agency and should be verifiable through NAFDAC's online database or verification services. If the number looks unusual, is partially obscured, or does not match the expected format, treat it as suspicious.

To verify a NAFDAC registration number, visit the NAFDAC website (www.nafdac.gov.ng) and use the product verification or registered products search function. Enter the registration number or product name to check whether it appears in the database and whether the details match the product in your hand. If the number is not found in the database, or if the product details (manufacturer, active ingredients, dosage form) do not match what appears on the packaging, do not use the product.

It is important to note that counterfeiters sometimes copy genuine NAFDAC registration numbers and print them on fake products. This means that a product may display a valid NAFDAC number but still be counterfeit. For this reason, the NAFDAC number check should be combined with other verification methods, including physical inspection and the Mobile Authentication Service. If the NAFDAC number checks out but other aspects of the product raise concerns, err on the side of caution and seek further verification.

NAFDAC's Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) is one of the most powerful tools available to Nigerian consumers for verifying the authenticity of medicines. Launched in collaboration with technology partners, the MAS system involves a unique scratch code printed on the packaging of participating pharmaceutical products. Consumers can scratch the panel to reveal a code, then send this code via SMS to a designated short code number. The system responds with a text message confirming whether the product is genuine and registered.

To use the MAS system, look for the scratch panel on the product packaging. It is usually located on the outer carton and is clearly labelled with instructions including the SMS number. Scratch off the coating gently to reveal the alphanumeric code beneath. Send the code as an SMS to the designated number (the specific number is printed next to the scratch panel). Within seconds to minutes, you should receive a response message. A positive response confirms that the product is genuine and has been verified. A negative response or an error message may indicate a counterfeit or a code that has already been used.

The MAS system has been expanded over the years to cover a growing number of pharmaceutical products, particularly high-risk categories such as antimalarials, antibiotics, and other commonly counterfeited drugs. While not all products in the Nigerian market are covered by MAS, major brands and products identified as high targets for counterfeiting are increasingly participating. NAFDAC has encouraged all pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers to adopt the MAS or similar authentication technologies.

There are some limitations to be aware of with the MAS system. The service requires mobile phone coverage, which may be unavailable in some rural areas. The SMS service incurs a small charge, which may deter some consumers from using it. Additionally, the MAS only covers participating products, so the absence of a MAS scratch panel does not necessarily mean a product is fake — it may simply not be enrolled in the programme. Despite these limitations, MAS remains one of the most effective consumer tools for drug verification in Nigeria, and its use is strongly recommended for all medicines, particularly those purchased from non-pharmacy sources.

The risk of encountering fake drugs in Nigeria varies significantly depending on where you purchase your medicines. Open drug markets such as Ogbogwu in Onitsha, Idumota in Lagos, and Sabon-Gari in Kano have historically had higher rates of counterfeit and substandard products compared to licensed pharmacies and hospital dispensaries. This is because open markets lack the regulatory oversight, qualified personnel, and controlled storage conditions found in formal pharmacy settings.

Patent medicine stores (also known as chemists) occupy a middle ground. While they are licensed by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria and are limited to selling a defined list of over-the-counter medicines, the quality of oversight varies widely. Some patent medicine stores are well-managed and source their products from reputable distributors, while others may purchase stock from open drug markets or unlicensed suppliers, increasing the risk of counterfeit products. The risk tends to be higher in rural areas where regulatory oversight is less frequent.

Certain categories of drugs are more frequently counterfeited than others. Antimalarials, particularly artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), are among the most commonly counterfeited drugs globally and in Nigeria. This is because malaria is prevalent, demand for antimalarials is high, and the drugs are relatively expensive, creating a profitable market for counterfeiters. Antibiotics, pain medications (including tramadol and other analgesics), and erectile dysfunction medications are also frequently targeted by counterfeiters.

Online and informal drug sales represent an emerging risk area. The proliferation of drug sales through social media platforms, messaging apps, and informal online marketplaces has created new channels for counterfeit products to reach consumers. These channels operate entirely outside the regulatory framework, with no quality assurance, no verification of product authenticity, and no accountability. NAFDAC has warned consumers against purchasing medications through these unregulated channels.

Antimalarial drugs are the most commonly counterfeited category of medicines in Nigeria. Products based on artemisinin-combination therapies (ACTs), including artemether-lumefantrine (the active ingredient in Coartem and its generic equivalents), artesunate, and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, are frequently targeted by counterfeiters. Counterfeit antimalarials may contain no active ingredient at all, sub-therapeutic amounts of the active ingredient, or wrong active ingredients entirely. Taking a fake antimalarial can be fatal, as untreated severe malaria has a high mortality rate, particularly in children.

Antibiotics are another major target for counterfeiters. Products such as amoxicillin, augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid), ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone are commonly counterfeited in Nigeria. Substandard antibiotics are particularly dangerous because they not only fail to treat the infection but also contribute to antimicrobial resistance — when bacteria are exposed to sub-therapeutic doses of an antibiotic, they can develop resistance, making future infections harder to treat. This is a major public health concern globally.

Pain medications, including paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen, diclofenac, and tramadol, are frequently counterfeited. While paracetamol counterfeiting may seem less dangerous because the drug is relatively mild, fake paracetamol products have been found to contain toxic contaminants that have caused serious illness and death. Counterfeit tramadol is a particular concern due to the drug's abuse potential and the existence of high-dose formulations (200mg and above) that are banned in Nigeria but still circulate in the illicit market.

Other commonly counterfeited drugs in Nigeria include antihypertensives (such as amlodipine and lisinopril), antidiabetic medications (such as metformin and glibenclamide), and lifestyle drugs (particularly sildenafil and similar erectile dysfunction medications). Vaccines and biological products have also been subject to counterfeiting, though this is less common due to the cold chain requirements and specialised distribution channels for these products. Consumers should be particularly vigilant when purchasing any of these frequently targeted drug categories.

The most important step you can take to avoid fake drugs is to purchase your medications from licensed pharmacies. In Nigeria, a licensed pharmacy (also called a community pharmacy) is required to have a qualified, registered pharmacist on the premises during operating hours. The pharmacist is responsible for ensuring that all products stocked are genuine, properly stored, and dispensed correctly. Pharmacies are regularly inspected by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and must maintain standards of practice that significantly reduce the risk of counterfeit products entering the supply chain.

When you visit a pharmacy, look for the pharmacy licence, which should be prominently displayed. The licence will include the pharmacy name, licence number, and the name of the supervising pharmacist. If the licence is not displayed or the pharmacist is not available, consider going to another pharmacy. A legitimate pharmacist will be willing to answer your questions about your medication, including its source, proper storage, and expected effects. Do not hesitate to ask questions — a pharmacist who is dismissive of your concerns about drug authenticity may not be prioritising your safety.

Always check the expiry date on any medication before purchasing. Expired drugs may not only be ineffective but can also be harmful, as the breakdown products of some drugs can be toxic. Examine the packaging for signs of tampering, such as broken seals, re-glued boxes, or labels that appear to have been removed and replaced. If the packaging appears to have been altered in any way, do not purchase the product.

Request a receipt for every medication purchase. A receipt provides a record of the transaction and can be valuable if you later discover that the product is fake or substandard. It also allows you to identify the source of the product and report it to NAFDAC if necessary. Reputable pharmacies will readily provide receipts; reluctance to do so may be a warning sign. Keep your receipts until you have completed the full course of medication and are satisfied that the product performed as expected.

If you must purchase medicines from a patent medicine store rather than a pharmacy, choose one that is well-established, clean, and properly organised. Verify that the store has a valid patent medicine vendor licence. Be aware that patent medicine stores are legally restricted to selling a limited range of over-the-counter products and are not authorised to sell prescription medications, injectables, or controlled substances. If a patent medicine store offers you prescription drugs or injectable medications, it is operating outside its licence, and you should be cautious about the quality of its other products as well.

If you suspect that you have purchased or encountered a fake or substandard drug, reporting it to NAFDAC is both a civic responsibility and a potentially life-saving action. Your report could trigger an investigation that removes dangerous products from the market and protects other consumers. NAFDAC takes all reports of suspected counterfeit drugs seriously and has established multiple channels for receiving reports from the public.

The primary channel for reporting suspected fake drugs is the NAFDAC consumer complaints hotline. The agency maintains a toll-free line where consumers can report suspected counterfeit, substandard, or unregistered products. When making a report, provide as much detail as possible, including the product name, manufacturer, batch number, NAFDAC registration number (if present), where you purchased the product, when you purchased it, and the specific reason you suspect it is fake. If possible, retain the product and its packaging as evidence.

You can also report suspected fake drugs directly to any NAFDAC zonal or state office. NAFDAC has offices across all 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT, making it possible to report in person regardless of your location. Walk-in reports are accepted, and staff can examine the suspected product on site. In some cases, NAFDAC may ask you to formally submit the product for laboratory analysis, which they will conduct at no cost to the consumer.

NAFDAC also accepts reports through its official social media channels and website. The agency has an active presence on platforms including Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram, and responds to reports and inquiries submitted through these channels. The NAFDAC website has a dedicated section for consumer complaints and adverse drug reaction reporting. Additionally, some state governments and health agencies have their own reporting mechanisms that are linked to NAFDAC's surveillance network.

If you suspect that you or a family member has taken a fake or substandard drug, the priority is your immediate health and safety. The appropriate response depends on the nature of the suspected fake drug and whether you are experiencing any symptoms. If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe allergic reaction, seizures, or loss of consciousness, go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. Tell the medical staff what you took, including the drug name, dosage, and that you suspect it may be counterfeit.

If you are not experiencing immediate severe symptoms but suspect the drug is fake (for example, because it is not producing the expected therapeutic effect, or because you notice physical abnormalities in the tablets), stop taking the medication and consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Explain your concerns and show them the product if you still have it. They can assess your condition, provide alternative treatment if needed, and advise on whether the suspected fake drug may have caused any harm.

Preserve the suspected fake drug and all its packaging for reporting and analysis. Do not throw it away or destroy it, as it may be needed as evidence by NAFDAC and for laboratory testing. Keep it in a safe place away from children and other family members who might inadvertently take it. If there are other units of the same product in your possession, set them aside as well — they may all be from the same counterfeit batch.

Report the suspected fake drug to NAFDAC using the channels described in the previous section. Also report it to the pharmacy or store where you purchased it, and request a refund or replacement. If the seller is uncooperative or dismissive of your concerns, document the interaction and include this information in your NAFDAC report. If you suffer health consequences as a result of taking a fake drug, you may have grounds for legal action against the seller and any other parties in the supply chain. Consult a lawyer who is familiar with pharmaceutical law and consumer protection in Nigeria.