NAFDAC Warns Against Illegal Knowit Insulin Syringe 40 IU in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the illegal circulation and marketing of the substandard Knowit Insulin Syringe 40 IU 29G x 1/2 in Nigeria. The agency is calling for immediate action to curb the use of this outdated medical product, which poses a serious health risk to diabetic patients.

NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Substandard Insulin Syringes

NAFDAC issued the warning in a statement released on Monday, highlighting concerns raised by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria. The association has noted the continued use of outdated 40 IU/ML insulin syringes, despite the availability of the standardized 100 IU/ML insulin syringes, which align with current medical guidelines.

The 40 IU/ML insulin syringe is no longer registered by NAFDAC, as it was previously used for administering Lente animal insulins, which have been discontinued. However, reports indicate that counterfeit and outdated versions of this syringe continue to circulate in pharmacies and medical stores across Nigeria.

Health Risks of Using the Knowit Insulin Syringe 40 IU

NAFDAC warns that continued use of the Knowit Insulin Syringe 40 IU 29G x 1/2 poses severe health risks, particularly for diabetic patients. The agency outlined the following concerns:

• Dosing errors – The 40 IU/ML insulin syringe does not match the now-standard 100 IU/ML insulin, leading to incorrect dosage administration.
• Life-threatening complications – Misuse of the outdated syringe can result in severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, endangering the lives of diabetic patients.
• Unregulated circulation – The presence of substandard and falsified insulin syringes in Nigerian markets increases the risk of counterfeit medical products, which may not meet safety and quality standards.

The drugs regulatory body emphasized that using a 40 IU/ML syringe to administer 100 IU/ML insulin could lead to dangerous miscalculations, as most patients may not be able to properly adjust their dosage calculations.

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NAFDAC’s Action Plan to Combat Illegal Insulin Syringes

In response to this growing concern, NAFDAC has launched an enforcement campaign to remove the Knowit Insulin Syringe 40 IU from circulation. The agency has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance operations targeting pharmacies, hospitals, and medical supply stores across the country.

Additionally, the Drug Agency has called on the following stakeholders to take action:

• Importers and distributors – Must cease the importation and sale of substandard and falsified insulin syringes.
• Retailers and pharmacies – Advised to only stock NAFDAC-approved 100 IU/ML insulin syringes.
• Healthcare professionals and caregivers – Urged to educate diabetic patients on the dangers of using outdated syringes and ensure the proper use of standardized medical supplies.

NAFDAC Encourages Public Awareness and Reporting

NAFDAC is also encouraging health professionals, caregivers, and the general public to report any instances of the Knowit Insulin Syringe 40 IU 29G x 1/2 being sold in pharmacies or medical supply stores. The agency has provided multiple channels for reporting:

• NAFDAC’s official website
• Email helpline
• Hotline numbers available for consumer complaints

The agency assured Nigerians that it remains committed to protecting public health by ensuring that only safe, effective, and high-quality medical products are available in the country.

Final Warning from NAFDAC

NAFDAC strongly urges all stakeholders to comply with the ban on the Knowit Insulin Syringe 40 IU and embrace the use of the standard 100 IU/ML insulin syringes. The agency is working closely with law enforcement authorities to track down those responsible for the illegal distribution of these syringes and bring them to justice.

Patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals are advised to stay vigilant, verify their medical products, and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

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Dayo Adesulu, online editor, SEO expert.