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Explainers

Is Your Antibiotic Fake? How to Check Fake Drugs Before You Swallow Them

A fake Betaclox pack carried a NAFDAC number that belonged to a deworming drug. Four quick checks can catch a fake before it fails you.

Is your antibiotic fake? 4 checks before you swallow

A pharmacy in Zaria noticed something odd about a pack of Betaclox, an antibiotic for common infections. When NAFDAC traced it, the registration number on the box belonged to a deworming drug, and the importer’s address did not match official pharmacy records.

You can learn how to check fake drugs the same way. Before you swallow:

1. Search the NAFDAC number in the NAFDAC Greenbook. The drug name, strength and maker should match your pack. 2. If the pack has a scratch panel, scratch it and text the code to confirm it is genuine. 3. Buy from a licensed pharmacy, not a bus, market tray or social media seller. 4. Report a suspect pack through NAFDAC’s website or nearest office.

A fake antibiotic does not just fail you. It can let the infection return stronger, the same way buying antibiotics for “malaria and typhoid” feeds drug resistance.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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Sources

  1. Nairametrics, "NAFDAC warns Nigerians on fake Betaclox antibiotic in circulation", November 10, 2025, https://nairametrics.com/2025/11/10/nafdac-warns-nigerians-on-fake-betaclox-antibiotic-in-circulation/
  2. Dubawa, "Four ways NAFDAC wants you to verify authenticity of medicine before purchase", June 21, 2023, https://dubawa.org/four-ways-nafdac-wants-you-to-verify-authenticity-of-medicine-before-purchase/
  3. NAFDAC Greenbook, https://greenbook.nafdac.gov.ng/
  4. World Health Organization, "World AMR Awareness Week 2026", https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-amr-awareness-week/world-amr-awareness-week-2026

This does not replace seeing a health worker. If you notice these signs, visit your nearest primary health centre or speak to a doctor or nurse. Any costs mentioned are general estimates and vary by facility and state.

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