2025 NAFDAC Uncovers Unregistered Oxytocin Injections, Issues Public Warning

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert over the discovery of falsified Gold Vision Oxytocin Injection 10IU carrying a fake registration number.

The alert, numbered 028/2025, was released on Monday via the agency’s official website. According to NAFDAC, the product falsely claimed to be manufactured in China and was being marketed by a company based in Enugu State.

The agency said the product was uncovered during a risk-based sampling survey conducted by its Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) Directorate. Further investigations revealed three other falsified products. A-tocin Injection, Extocin Injection, and Claxitodin Injection, all carrying the same forged registration number, A4-9566.

NAFDAC confirmed the products were falsified after verifying that they were absent from its official registered products database.

Oxytocin, a hormone and pharmaceutical drug, is commonly used to induce labour, control postpartum bleeding, and support lactation. NAFDAC warned that falsified or unregistered oxytocin poses severe risks to mothers and newborns, including weak contractions, postpartum haemorrhage, or even maternal death. Poor-quality oxytocin could also lead to life-threatening delays in stopping bleeding after childbirth, requiring emergency interventions.

The agency has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and withdraw any falsified products found across Nigeria.

Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers were urged to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with unregistered products. NAFDAC further advised that all medicines and medical devices should only be sourced from licensed suppliers, with authenticity and physical condition carefully checked.

Reports of suspected substandard or falsified medicines, as well as adverse reactions, should be submitted to the nearest NAFDAC office, the agency added.