The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the recall of Acetazolamide Tablets USP 125mg from the Nigerian market.

NAFDAC disclosed that the affected product, manufactured by Rubicon Research Private Ltd., an American pharmaceutical company, bears batch number 30575HF1.

The company’s recall follows the discovery of a contaminated lot, which included dirty and discoloured tablets.

“Acetazolamide is a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, effective in the control of fluid secretion (e.g., some types of glaucoma), in the treatment of certain convulsive disorders (e.g., epilepsy), and in the promotion of diuresis in instances of abnormal fluid retention (e.g., cardiac edema),” NAFDAC said in a statement published on November 26.

“Acetazolamide is a diuretic used in the treatment of swelling caused by heart disease. It also works by helping the body generate more urine to lose salt and excess water from the body. It can also treat seizures, certain types of glaucoma, and prevent symptoms of altitude sickness.”

NAFDAC, however, implores importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the affected lots of the product.

It added that all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers, and the product’s authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

“Anyone in possession of the affected lots is advised to immediately discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office,” it noted.

“If you have used this product, or someone you know has used it, or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.”