NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Falsified Gold Vision Oxytocin Injection in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning over a falsified Gold Vision Oxytocin Injection (10IU) circulating in Nigeria, which bears a fake registration number.

The agency, in an alert numbered 028/2025 published on its official website, said the product falsely claimed to be manufactured by Anhui Hongye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Fengyang East Road, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China, and marketed by Gold Vision Medicals, No. 4 Range Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu.

NAFDAC disclosed that the injection was uncovered during a risk-based sampling survey by its Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) directorate. Further checks also revealed three other falsified products — A-tocin injection, Extocin injection, and Claxitodin injection — all carrying the same forged registration number (A4-9566) and allegedly from the same manufacturer.

The agency stressed that none of the products were listed in its official registered products database, confirming them as falsified medicines.

Oxytocin, a natural hormone and pharmaceutical drug, is commonly used to induce labour, control postpartum bleeding, and aid lactation. It works by binding to uterine muscle receptors, triggering contractions.

However, NAFDAC warned that unregistered or fake oxytocin injections pose grave health risks to both mothers and newborns. The risks include incorrect dosing, harmful contaminants, weak uterine contractions, postpartum haemorrhage, and in severe cases, maternal death. Poor-quality oxytocin could also delay or fail to stop excessive bleeding, often requiring emergency surgery or blood transfusion.

To curb the circulation of these falsified medicines, NAFDAC said it has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to monitor and withdraw the products wherever they are found across Nigeria.

The agency urged importers, distributors, healthcare workers, and consumers to remain vigilant and only source medicines from licensed suppliers. It advised the public to always verify product authenticity and condition before use.

Reports of suspected fake medicines or adverse reactions can be made via:

• NAFDAC offices nationwide
• Toll-free number: 0800-162-3322
• Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng or pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
• NAFDAC website: www.nafdac.gov.ng
• Med-Safety app (available on Android and iOS).