October 23, 2020,

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has been informed of a plan to smuggle in and distribute falsified KSALOL Benzodiazepine brand and predstavits 400mg capsules across the country for consumption. The falsified versions of Ksalol benzodiazepine is a brand of alprazolam sold by generic drug maker Galenika.

Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs effective for treating a range of psychological and neurological disorders, such as panic attacks, depression, insomnia, seizures, nausea, vomiting, muscle relaxation and anxiety reaction.

While some of the falsified version have no active ingredient at all, some are suspected to contain fentanyl and analogues that can be 100 times more potent than morphine, and up to 50 times more potent than heroin, raising the risk of overdose. Fentanyl is an opioid drug used for pain relief, also known to produce calming effects and serves as sex enhancer and libido boaster.

NAFDAC implores importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare providers and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the falsified Ksalol benzodiazepine.

Members of the public already in possession of the falsified Ksalol benzodiazepine are implored to discontinue sale or use and handover stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of the product to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC PRASCOR (20543 TOLL FREE from all networks), via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng or via the NAFDAC ADR e-Reporting platform available at www.nafdac.gov.ng

NAFDAC……..Customer-focused, Agency-minded!!!

Signed Management