The Enugu State Ministry of Health has issued a public health alert over the circulation of counterfeit Augmentin 625mg tablets in Nigeria, warning residents that the fake antibiotics may have found their way into drug distribution channels within the State.
The Ministry said intelligence available to health authorities revealed that the counterfeit products closely resemble genuine Augmentin manufactured by pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), making them difficult for unsuspecting consumers to identify.
Health officials warned that the circulation of fake medicines poses serious risks to public health, particularly for patients relying on antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, noting that counterfeit drugs may be ineffective, contaminated, or contain dangerous substances capable of worsening medical conditions.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Enugu State Ministry of Health, Ugodu Chidiogo, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, the ministry urged residents to remain vigilant and carefully inspect any Augmentin 625mg tablets before purchase or consumption.
“The Enugu State Ministry of Health wishes to alert members of the public on the circulation of counterfeit Augmentin 625mg tablets within Nigeria, including possible distribution in Enugu State,” the statement partly read.
The statement disclosed that preliminary intelligence showed that the counterfeit products bear the same Batch Number ‘AC3N’ as the authentic GSK-manufactured medication, a tactic believed to have been adopted by counterfeiters to deceive consumers and evade detection.
The Ministry further explained: “Available intelligence indicates that the fake products have the same Batch No. AC3N as the genuine product from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), carry inconsistent manufacturing and expiry dates of September 2025 and 2028 respectively.
“The counterfeit tablets also exhibit textural errors and poor-quality packaging seals, raising serious concerns about their safety, quality, and effectiveness,” the statement added.
The Ministry warned that the use of counterfeit antibiotics could contribute to treatment failure, prolonged illness, antibiotic resistance, and potentially life-threatening health complications.
To safeguard public health, residents were advised to obtain medicines only from licensed pharmacies, accredited hospitals, and recognised healthcare facilities.
“Members of the public are advised to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and accredited health facilities. Providers and the general public should carefully inspect all Augmentin 625mg tablets before use.”
Health practitioners, pharmacists, patent medicine vendors, and members of the public who encounter suspicious products were urged to immediately notify relevant authorities for investigation and possible seizure of the counterfeit medicines.
The statement further noted: “Anyone who suspects possession or sale of the counterfeit product should immediately report it to the nearest health authority or the Enugu State Ministry of Health.”
The ministry stressed that public cooperation remains critical in combating the growing threat posed by counterfeit pharmaceuticals and protecting communities from preventable health risks.
“Together, let us protect our communities from the dangers of counterfeit medicines,” it concluded.