The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the circulation of a suspected counterfeit asthma medication, marketed as Ulmicort 0.5 mg/ml Inhalation Suspension, in the Nigerian market.
The agency said the suspected falsified product closely resembles the registered Pulmicort (Budesonide) Inhalation Suspension manufactured by AstraZeneca and may mislead healthcare professionals and patients into believing it is the genuine medicine.
NAFDAC, in Public Alert No. 037/2026 issued on Friday, said the information was provided by AstraZeneca following market surveillance activities, which revealed that the counterfeit product infringes on the approved marketing authorisation for Pulmicort.
The genuine Pulmicort (budesonide) is an inhaled corticosteroid used as a maintenance treatment to prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath, as well as for prophylactic therapy.
According to the agency, the counterfeit product bears a name strikingly similar to the authentic medicine, raising concerns over the risk of confusion among patients and healthcare providers.
NAFDAC disclosed that investigations are ongoing to trace the distribution network and source of the suspected counterfeit product.
It added that all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to intensify surveillance and carry out mop-up operations to identify and remove the falsified medicine from circulation across the country.
The agency urged consumers, healthcare professionals, distributors and retailers to remain vigilant and report any suspected sale or distribution of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, effective and quality medicines are available in the Nigerian market.