The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, an Indian pharmaceutical company, for manufacturing and exporting dangerous and highly addictive pills that pose serious health risks, including death.
Deadly Drug Combination Puts Lives at Risk
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made the announcement in Abuja on Friday, revealing that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, based in Mumbai, India, was responsible for producing and distributing pills containing a hazardous mix of Tapentadol (a powerful opioid) and Carisoprodol (a banned muscle relaxant with addictive properties).
These dangerous drugs, marketed under the names Tafrodol and Royal 225, have been found circulating in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, following an investigation by BBC World Service.
The report also revealed that Aveo was behind the export of high-dose Tramadol to West African countries, despite strict bans.
NAFDAC Issues Ban and Warns the Public
NAFDAC clarified that it has never registered Tafrodol, Royal 225, or any Tramadol exceeding 100mg, nor has it ever approved any product from Aveo Pharmaceuticals.
Citing NAFDAC Act Cap N.1 LFN 2004 and the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs Act Cap C.34 LFN 2004, the agency blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals, stating that it would never approve any of the company’s products in the future.
“The public is urged to support NAFDAC in fighting fake and substandard drugs by avoiding unregistered medicines and only using drugs prescribed by licensed medical professionals,” Adeyeye stated.
This move is part of NAFDAC’s intensified efforts to combat the spread of counterfeit and life-threatening pharmaceuticals in Nigeria and beyond.
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