NAFDAC Issues Public Alert on Falsified Healmoxy 500mg Capsules

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued Public Alert No. 17/2025 concerning falsified batches of Healmoxy Capsules 500mg, a broad-spectrum antibiotic produced by Maxheal Pharmaceuticals (India), discovered in Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR).

According to the alert, falsified versions of the product, carrying batch numbers 023011 and H02605, were found in Cameroon, while batch H02605 was also identified in CAR.

Laboratory analysis conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that the counterfeit capsules lack the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) Amoxicillin Trihydrate and feature inconsistencies in the formatting of manufacturing and expiry dates.

The legitimate version of Healmoxy 500mg is registered in Nigeria and imported by Nkoyo Chemist Ltd, located at 23 Agbonyi Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos. However, a Post Marketing Surveillance investigation in Lagos confirmed that these falsified batches were never imported into Nigeria through the registered channels.

Amoxicillin, the active ingredient in Healmoxy, is widely prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections affecting the respiratory tract, urinary tract, gastrointestinal system, and skin. The presence of falsified medicines poses a serious risk to public health, as patients may not receive effective treatment.

NAFDAC is urging importers, distributors, healthcare providers, retailers, and patients to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious or substandard medicines. Suspected cases can be reported to the nearest NAFDAC office, via the toll-free line 0800-162-3322, or by email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.