Health Alert: Fake Antibiotic BETACLOX Found in Drug Supply

The national food and drug safety authority has issued an urgent public warning. This alert concerns the distribution of a suspected substandard and falsified antibiotic found in the country’s drug supply system.

The product, identified as BETACLOX (Ampicillin 250mg and Cloxacillin 250mg), is circulating with fraudulent details. Its presence poses a serious risk to public health.

Discovery of the Fraud

The alert began with a report from a retail outlet in Zaria, Kaduna State. The store identified the questionable product after purchasing it from a distributor in Kano.

Subsequent investigations by the regulatory agency exposed several major inconsistencies:

• Registration Number Fraud: The number (A4-4724) on the fake BETACLOX packaging actually belongs to an unrelated medication. That medication is Mebendazole 500mg, manufactured by a different company. This confirms a clear case of fraudulent numbering.
• Identity Theft: The product falsely lists Freeview Pharmaceutical Ltd. as the importer, providing an incorrect address in Calabar, Cross River State. Verification showed that the genuine company operates from a different location. This clearly suggests the unauthorized use of a legitimate company’s identity.

The regulatory agency confirmed that the product contains fraudulent registration details and comes from an unverified source.

Falsified Product Details

The specifics of the questionable lot are as follows:

• Product Name: BETACLOX (Ampicillin 250mg and Cloxacillin 250mg)
• Batch Number: 230701
• Stated Manufacturer: Saeny Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Kerala, India
• Manufacturing Date: 07/2023
• Expiry Date: 07/2026
• Fraudulent Reg. No.: A4-4724

Agency Response and Public Action

The regulatory agency has ordered all zonal and state coordinators to conduct immediate surveillance and remove any falsified medical products nationwide.

Distributors and healthcare providers must remain vigilant. They should source all medicines exclusively from authorized suppliers. Additionally, they must thoroughly inspect packaging for authenticity indicators.

The general public is encouraged to help. Please report any suspicious drug products to the nearest office of the regulatory agency

. You can also use the agency’s dedicated toll-free number. The fight against fake medicines continues despite ongoing market raids and enforcement efforts.