The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical distributors, and the general public about the growing circulation of substandard and falsified insulin syringes in the market. The regulatory body raised alarms over the potential dangers these fake medical products pose to diabetic patients and others who rely on insulin injections for survival.
Insulin syringes are a critical medical tool for diabetes management, ensuring precise dosage delivery to regulate blood sugar levels. However, the emergence of counterfeit or substandard syringes poses a significant health threat, increasing the risk of dosage errors, infections, and other complications. According to NAFDAC, these unsafe syringes have infiltrated both physical and online markets, misleading unsuspecting users with deceptive packaging and branding.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, in an official statement, urged medical practitioners and patients to exercise extreme caution when purchasing insulin syringes. She emphasized that the agency’s surveillance teams have detected multiple batches of unregistered and inferior syringes that do not meet regulatory standards. Some of these syringes are made with weak or brittle materials, leading to breakage during injection, while others fail to provide accurate measurements, which can result in severe underdosing or overdosing of insulin.
The dangers associated with these counterfeit medical products extend beyond ineffective treatment. Poor-quality syringes increase the likelihood of contamination, bacterial infections, and adverse reactions that could lead to life-threatening complications. Furthermore, some of these falsified syringes contain harmful chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions or long-term health issues.
In response to this alarming trend, NAFDAC has intensified its crackdown on the illicit distribution of medical supplies. The agency is working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and shut down operations involved in the production and sale of substandard insulin syringes. It has also launched an awareness campaign, urging consumers to verify the authenticity of medical products before use. Patients and healthcare providers are encouraged to purchase insulin syringes only from reputable pharmacies and approved medical suppliers.
NAFDAC has provided guidelines on how to identify counterfeit syringes, advising the public to check for NAFDAC registration numbers, clear manufacturing details, and secure packaging. Additionally, it has set up hotlines and online platforms where individuals can report suspicious products. The agency reassured the public that it remains committed to protecting public health by ensuring that only high-quality, certified medical devices reach consumers.
The prevalence of counterfeit medical products is a growing global issue, with Nigeria being one of the markets targeted by unscrupulous manufacturers. Experts warn that if left unchecked, the infiltration of substandard insulin syringes could exacerbate the challenges faced by millions of diabetics in the country. Medical professionals are calling for stricter regulatory enforcement and public education to combat this threat effectively.
As investigations continue, NAFDAC is urging consumers to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their health. Patients using insulin syringes should immediately report any suspicious or defective products to the agency to prevent further risks. The agency is also pushing for greater collaboration with international regulatory bodies to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to combat the influx of counterfeit medical supplies.
With diabetes cases on the rise and the need for insulin therapy growing, the presence of fake syringes in the market is a disturbing reality that must be addressed with urgency. Authorities are calling on all stakeholders—including manufacturers, healthcare providers, and consumers—to work together to eliminate the circulation of these dangerous products and ensure safe medical practices.