The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent warning over the widespread circulation of counterfeit Otrivin Nasal Drops across Nigeria, directing an immediate nationwide mop-up of the products due to potential health dangers.
In a public alert (No. 019/2026) on its website, the agency revealed that both children’s (0.05%) and adult versions of the nasal drops currently in the market are unregistered and unsafe for use.
“The Marketing Authorization Holder has confirmed that they are not currently importing any Otrivin products into Nigeria. Consequently, all products in circulation are counterfeits,” NAFDAC said.
The discovery followed a complaint lodged with the agency’s Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate, which led to the identification of the unapproved products in circulation.
Otrivin nasal drops are widely used to treat nasal congestion, allergies, and inflammation, but NAFDAC warned that the fake variants could contain harmful or substandard substances.
“Unregistered products pose significant risks to public health. They may lead to treatment failure, adverse reactions, or worsening of medical conditions,” the agency cautioned.
According to NAFDAC, genuine Otrivin products carry registration numbers 04-5350 (children) and 04-0026 (adults), while the counterfeit versions are linked to suspicious batch numbers such as 7U8T and SU8X, often marked with recent manufacturing and expiry dates.
In response, the agency has activated its nationwide enforcement network, instructing zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify monitoring and remove the products from circulation.
NAFDAC also called on distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to remain vigilant.
“All medical products must be sourced from authorized and licensed suppliers. The authenticity and physical condition of products should always be verified before use,” it stressed.
Consumers and healthcare providers have been advised to report any suspected counterfeit products to the nearest NAFDAC office or through official reporting channels.
The warning comes amid a series of recent alerts by the agency involving counterfeit and unregistered medicines, including products falsely marketed as HIV cures, fake infant food, and falsified cancer treatments.
NAFDAC further disclosed that the alert will be escalated to the global monitoring system of the World Health Organization to help curb international distribution of the fake products.
For now, the agency has urged Nigerians to avoid purchasing or using Otrivin nasal drops in the market until further notice.
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