How to Verify if a Drug is NAFDAC-Approved: Step-by-Step Guide

Every pharmaceutical product legally sold in Nigeria must carry a NAFDAC registration number on its packaging. This number is the primary identifier that confirms the product has been evaluated, tested, and approved by NAFDAC for safety, quality, and efficacy. Understanding the format and meaning of NAFDAC registration numbers is the first step in drug verification.

NAFDAC registration numbers follow a specific alphanumeric format that encodes information about the product category and registration sequence. The typical format consists of a two-letter prefix followed by a four-digit number, such as 'A4-1234' or 'B1-5678'. The letter prefix indicates the product category: 'A' generally denotes drugs and pharmaceutical products, 'B' denotes food products, 'C' denotes cosmetics, and so on. The numerical component is a unique sequential identifier assigned to the specific product upon registration.

For pharmaceutical products specifically, you may encounter registration numbers with prefixes like 'A4' (for locally manufactured drugs), 'A1' (for imported drugs), or variations depending on the specific product classification. It is important to note that the format has evolved over the years as NAFDAC has updated its registration systems. Older products may carry registration numbers in slightly different formats, but they remain valid as long as the registration has been renewed.

The NAFDAC registration number should be clearly printed on the primary packaging (the container directly holding the product), the secondary packaging (the outer carton or box), and any accompanying product literature such as the patient information leaflet. If a product does not display a NAFDAC registration number, or if the number appears to be tampered with or illegible, this is an immediate red flag that the product may not be genuine.

It is also worth noting that a NAFDAC registration number on a product does not automatically guarantee that the specific unit you are holding is genuine. Counterfeiters frequently copy NAFDAC registration numbers from legitimate products and print them on fake ones. This is why additional verification steps beyond simply checking for the presence of a registration number are essential.

NAFDAC maintains an online product verification portal that allows the public to check whether a specific product is registered with the agency. This portal, accessible at www.nafdac.gov.ng, contains a searchable database of all registered products, including drugs, food, cosmetics, medical devices, and other regulated products. The portal is free to use and available to anyone with internet access.

To verify a product using the NAFDAC online portal, navigate to the NAFDAC website and locate the 'Product Verification' or 'Green Book' section. The Green Book is NAFDAC's official directory of registered pharmaceutical products. You can search the database by entering the product's NAFDAC registration number, the product name, the active ingredient, or the manufacturer's name. The search results will display details about the registered product, including the product name, registration number, manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and registration status.

When using the portal to verify a specific product, it is important to cross-check multiple details. Simply finding a matching registration number is not sufficient because counterfeiters often reuse legitimate registration numbers. Compare the product name, manufacturer, dosage form, and strength displayed in the portal with the information printed on the product packaging. Any discrepancy between the portal information and the packaging may indicate a counterfeit product.

The NAFDAC portal also maintains a list of products whose registration has been suspended, revoked, or that have been subjected to recall notices. Checking this list is an important additional step, as it identifies products that may have been previously registered but are no longer approved for sale in Nigeria. Products on these lists should not be purchased or used, even if they still carry a NAFDAC registration number on their packaging.

While the NAFDAC online portal is a valuable verification tool, it does have limitations. The database may not be updated in real-time, and newly registered products may take some time to appear in the search results. Additionally, the portal requires internet access, which may not always be available, particularly in rural areas. For these situations, alternative verification methods such as the NAFDAC Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) provide additional options.

The NAFDAC Mobile Authentication Service, commonly known as MAS, is a technology-based verification system that allows consumers to confirm the authenticity of pharmaceutical products using their mobile phones. Launched in collaboration with technology partners, MAS uses unique scratch codes printed on product packaging to enable real-time authentication. The system was one of NAFDAC's most innovative anti-counterfeiting initiatives and has been deployed across multiple product categories.

The MAS system works by assigning a unique, randomly generated code to each unit of a registered pharmaceutical product. This code is concealed beneath a scratch panel on the product packaging, similar to recharge card scratch panels that Nigerians are familiar with. To verify the product, the consumer scratches the panel to reveal the code, then sends the code via SMS to a designated short code number. The system responds with a message confirming whether the product is genuine or potentially counterfeit.

The process is straightforward: purchase the product, locate the MAS scratch panel on the packaging (usually on the outer carton), scratch to reveal the code, and send the code via SMS to the designated number. The SMS response will typically read 'Genuine' or 'Confirmed authentic' for legitimate products, or will warn that the code is invalid or has been previously used if the product is suspected to be counterfeit. If the code has already been verified (i.e., someone has already sent it before), this may indicate that the product has been tampered with or that the code has been cloned.

Not all NAFDAC-registered products carry MAS codes. The system is primarily deployed on high-risk product categories, particularly antimalarial drugs, antibiotics, and other commonly counterfeited medicines. Manufacturers of these products are required by NAFDAC to incorporate MAS technology into their packaging as a condition of registration or renewal. Over time, NAFDAC has expanded the range of products covered by MAS.

While MAS has been effective in deterring counterfeiters and empowering consumers, it is not infallible. Sophisticated counterfeiters have attempted to replicate MAS codes or create fake verification systems. Consumers are advised to ensure they are sending codes to the official NAFDAC-designated short code number only and to be wary of products that direct them to unofficial verification channels. If in doubt, contact NAFDAC directly for clarification.

Physical examination of drug packaging is an important complementary verification method that does not require technology or internet access. Pharmaceutical manufacturers invest significant resources in packaging design, quality, and security features, and counterfeiters often cut corners in these areas. Learning to examine packaging critically can help consumers and healthcare professionals spot potential fakes.

Start by examining the overall quality of the packaging. Genuine pharmaceutical products typically have high-quality printing with clear, sharp text and images. Counterfeit products often have blurred or fuzzy printing, misspellings, grammatical errors, or inconsistent fonts. Check the product name, manufacturer name, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date for any irregularities. Legitimate products have consistent, professional labelling that matches across the primary packaging, secondary packaging, and patient information leaflet.

Examine the batch number and expiry date carefully. Every unit of a genuine pharmaceutical product carries a batch number (also called lot number) and an expiry date that are typically printed, stamped, or embossed on the packaging. These markings should be clear and should match on all components of the packaging. If the batch number or expiry date appears to have been tampered with, overprinted, or is missing entirely, the product is highly suspect.

Check for the NAFDAC registration number and the NAFDAC logo on the packaging. The NAFDAC logo is a distinctive green and white emblem that should be clearly printed on all registered products. Some manufacturers also include holographic stickers, unique barcodes, or QR codes as additional security features. If the product packaging lacks these expected features, or if the features appear to be of poor quality compared to genuine products you have seen before, exercise caution.

For tablet and capsule products, examine the dosage form itself if possible. Genuine pharmaceutical products have consistent colour, shape, size, and markings. Tablets should be uniform in appearance, free from chips, cracks, or discolouration, and should have any embossed markings clearly defined. Capsules should be uniformly filled and properly sealed. Any unusual appearance, smell, or taste may indicate a counterfeit or degraded product.

Being able to identify red flags that suggest a product may be counterfeit is a critical skill for consumers, pharmacists, and drug dealers alike. While counterfeiters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, there are several common indicators that can help identify potentially fake drugs before they are consumed.

An unusually low price is one of the most telling red flags. If a product is being sold at a price significantly below the normal market price, there is a strong possibility that it is counterfeit or substandard. Pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory compliance involve significant costs, and these are reflected in the price. Dealers offering drugs at suspiciously low prices may be sourcing from illegitimate channels.

The absence of a patient information leaflet (package insert) is another warning sign. All registered pharmaceutical products in Nigeria must include a patient information leaflet in English, containing information about the product's composition, indications, dosage, contraindications, side effects, and storage conditions. If this leaflet is missing, is in a foreign language without English translation, or contains different information from what is expected for the product, the product may be counterfeit.

Products purchased from unregistered or informal sources carry a higher risk of being counterfeit. Drug markets such as Idumota in Lagos, Head Bridge in Onitsha, and Ariaria in Aba have historically been hotspots for counterfeit drug distribution, though NAFDAC's enforcement activities have improved the situation. Purchasing pharmaceutical products from registered pharmacies, hospitals, and NAFDAC-licensed dealers significantly reduces the risk of encountering fake drugs.

Physical changes in a product you have previously used can also indicate counterfeiting. If a medication that you have been taking regularly suddenly looks different (different colour, shape, size, or markings), tastes different, or produces different effects, this warrants investigation. While legitimate manufacturers do occasionally change their product appearance, such changes are usually communicated to pharmacists and the public. An unexplained change may indicate that you have received a counterfeit version.

Finally, pay attention to how the product makes you feel. If a medication is not producing the expected therapeutic effect, or if it is causing unexpected side effects, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional. Report the product to NAFDAC with as much detail as possible, including where and when it was purchased, the batch number, and the NAFDAC registration number.

If you suspect that a pharmaceutical product is counterfeit, substandard, or falsified, it is important to act quickly and responsibly. Reporting suspected fake drugs to NAFDAC is not only a civic duty but also a legal obligation for registered drug dealers and healthcare professionals. Your report could prevent harm to others and help NAFDAC trace and dismantle counterfeiting networks.

The first step is to stop using the suspected product immediately and advise others who may have purchased the same product to do the same. Retain the product and its packaging, including the outer carton, blister pack or container, patient information leaflet, and any receipt or proof of purchase. This evidence is crucial for NAFDAC's investigation and laboratory analysis.

NAFDAC provides multiple channels for reporting suspected fake drugs. The NAFDAC toll-free hotline, accessible by dialing 0800-NAFDAC (0800-623322), is available for immediate reports. You can also report via email to the NAFDAC pharmacovigilance unit or through the NAFDAC website's online reporting form. Social media channels including NAFDAC's official Twitter (now X) handle and Facebook page are also monitored for reports from the public.

When making a report, provide as much detail as possible, including the product name, NAFDAC registration number (if present), batch number, expiry date, manufacturer name, the name and address of the outlet where the product was purchased, the date of purchase, and a description of why you suspect the product is counterfeit. If possible, take photographs of the product and packaging to accompany your report.

NAFDAC treats all reports seriously and maintains confidentiality regarding the identity of reporters. Upon receiving a report, NAFDAC's Investigation and Enforcement Directorate initiates an investigation, which may include purchasing samples from the reported outlet, conducting laboratory analysis, and carrying out enforcement actions if the product is confirmed to be counterfeit. Reporters may be contacted for additional information during the investigation but are not required to participate further.

Imported pharmaceutical products require additional verification steps beyond those applicable to locally manufactured drugs. Nigeria imports a significant proportion of its pharmaceutical needs, and the importation pipeline has historically been exploited by counterfeiters who smuggle fake drugs into the country through porous borders and corrupt import channels.

All imported drugs must have a valid NAFDAC registration number, just like locally manufactured products. In addition, imported drugs must be accompanied by a Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CPP) issued by the regulatory authority of the exporting country, conforming to the WHO format. This certificate attests that the product is registered and meets quality standards in its country of origin. Consumers and dealers can request to see the CPP for imported products from the importer or distributor.

NAFDAC conducts port inspections of all pharmaceutical imports entering Nigeria through approved ports of entry. These inspections include verification of documentation, physical examination of the consignment, and collection of samples for laboratory analysis. Products that fail port inspection are not released into the Nigerian market. However, some counterfeit products still enter the country through unofficial channels, underscoring the importance of verification by downstream dealers and consumers.

For imported products, additional verification can be done by contacting the original manufacturer directly. Most reputable international pharmaceutical companies have designated representatives or marketing authorisation holders in Nigeria who can confirm whether a specific product was legitimately imported and distributed through authorised channels. The manufacturer's contact information can usually be found on the product packaging or the manufacturer's website.

Consumers should be particularly cautious about imported products that are not commonly available in Nigeria, that are packaged in languages they cannot read, or that are being sold outside of established pharmaceutical distribution channels. Products that have been repackaged or relabelled are especially suspect, as repackaging can be used to disguise the true origin of counterfeit or substandard products.