The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns over the impact of rising temperatures on the quality and effectiveness of medicines in Nigeria.
According to the agency, the increasing frequency of heatwaves linked to climate change poses a serious threat to drug potency, potentially affecting treatment outcomes and patient safety.
The warning was issued during the third anniversary celebration of the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT) at the University of Ibadan.
Heat Can Damage Critical Medicines
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that excessive heat can gradually degrade the active ingredients in medicines, reducing their effectiveness before they reach patients.
Represented by the agency’s Director of Laboratory Services (Drug), Inkem Ifudu, Adeyeye noted that some commonly used medications are particularly vulnerable to temperature fluctuations.
These include antibiotics such as amoxicillin and pediatric formulations that require strict storage conditions to maintain their quality.
Life-Saving Drugs Face Greater Risk
The agency warned that the danger is even more significant for medicines that depend on cold-chain storage.
One example highlighted was oxytocin, a critical drug used during childbirth to manage complications and reduce maternal health risks.
According to NAFDAC, exposure to temperatures outside recommended limits can deactivate the medicine, potentially leading to treatment failure and serious health consequences.
Climate Change Creating New Healthcare Challenges
Experts at the event stressed that climate-related heat stress is becoming an emerging healthcare challenge.
They warned that patients may unknowingly consume medicines that have lost potency due to poor storage conditions, leading to delayed recovery, ineffective treatment and additional health complications.
The development has renewed calls for stronger regulation and greater public awareness regarding medicine storage and handling.
NAFDAC Intensifies Surveillance Efforts
To address the challenge, NAFDAC disclosed that it has expanded post-market surveillance activities through its laboratories across the country.
The agency regularly collects and tests drug samples from different points within the supply chain to verify compliance with approved quality standards.
Officials said distributors and companies found guilty of selling compromised products could face sanctions, product seizures and legal action.
Warning Against Roadside Drug Purchases
NAFDAC also advised Nigerians to avoid purchasing medicines from roadside vendors and unregulated open markets.
According to the agency, drugs exposed to direct sunlight and excessive heat may undergo chemical changes that affect their safety and effectiveness.
Consumers were encouraged to buy medications only from licensed pharmacies and carefully follow storage instructions provided by manufacturers.
Pharmacists Face Rising Costs
Speaking at the event, the Oyo State Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Adebayo Ogundamosi, highlighted the financial burden of maintaining proper drug storage conditions.
He explained that many pharmacies now rely heavily on air-conditioning systems, alternative power sources and specialized refrigeration units to protect medicines from heat damage.
According to him, operators are increasingly exploring solar-powered solutions to reduce costs while preserving medicine quality.
Experts Stress Importance of Drug Stability
Researchers and healthcare professionals at the event emphasized that medicine potency is directly linked to patient outcomes.
They warned that drugs weakened by environmental factors can create a false impression of treatment while underlying illnesses continue to progress.
As climate challenges intensify, experts say safeguarding medicine quality will remain essential to protecting public health and ensuring effective healthcare delivery across Nigeria.