The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of an unregistered Gold Vision Oxytocin Injection 10IU, which bears a counterfeit registration number.
In its public safety alert numbered 028/2025, NAFDAC disclosed that the falsified product was falsely presented as being manufactured by Anhui Hongye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Fengyang East Road, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China. The product was also said to have been marketed in Nigeria by Gold Vision Medicals, No. 4 Range Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu.
According to the agency, the falsified oxytocin injection was uncovered during a risk-based sampling survey conducted by officers of its Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) Directorate. All versions of the product carried the same forged registration number A4-9566, and none were listed in NAFDAC’s official database of registered medicines, confirming them as falsified.
Why This is Dangerous
Oxytocin is a natural hormone and neuropeptide widely used in medical practice. As a pharmaceutical drug, it is commonly prescribed to:
Induce or strengthen labour,
Control bleeding after childbirth, and
Support lactation.
The drug works by binding to oxytocin receptors in the uterus, triggering a chain reaction that increases calcium levels within cells and causes uterine contractions.
NAFDAC warned that using poor-quality or falsified oxytocin poses severe risks to maternal and newborn health. Ineffective oxytocin may delay or fail to stop postpartum bleeding, a condition that often requires urgent interventions such as blood transfusions or surgical procedures.
Regulatory Actions and Public Advisory
NAFDAC confirmed that its zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to intensify surveillance and remove any falsified oxytocin products found across the country.
The agency called on importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers to exercise vigilance, refrain from dealing with unregistered medicines, and ensure that all medical products are obtained only from licensed suppliers. It further advised that the authenticity and physical condition of medicines be carefully verified before use.
How to Report Suspicions or Side Effects
Consumers and healthcare providers are encouraged to promptly report any suspected cases of falsified or substandard medical products to NAFDAC via the following channels:
Nearest NAFDAC office nationwide
Toll-free hotline: 0800-162-3322
Email: [email protected]
Med-safety App: Available on both Android and iOS stores
Email for adverse drug reactions: [email protected]
The agency stressed that public vigilance and timely reporting are crucial in protecting lives and strengthening the nation’s drug safety system.
