The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the public against the circulation of falsified Dr. Alfred Capsules, a dietary supplement marketed for male vitality, on various social media platforms.
According to the FDA, the product being circulated has not been registered by the Authority and poses a serious public health risk.
The FDA said regulatory intelligence and subsequent enforcement operations uncovered an organised syndicate operating in Accra and Suhum, allegedly involved in the manufacture and distribution of the falsified capsules across the country.
Two suspects linked to the illicit activity are currently on police enquiry bail and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
The Authority said the falsified capsules are manufactured in unauthorised, unregulated and unhygienic environments.
Laboratory analysis conducted by the FDA’s Centre for Laboratory Services and Research (CLSR) also confirmed the presence of Sildenafil Citrate in the falsified product.
Sildenafil Citrate is a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor and a prescription-only medicine used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
The FDA stressed that the authentic Dr. Alfred Capsules registered in Ghana do not contain Sildenafil Citrate.
The registered product is manufactured by CV Al Manar Herbafit in Indonesia and registered in Ghana by Unateus Ghana Limited as a food supplement.
The FDA has urged the public to avoid purchasing medications, herbal remedies and dietary supplements from unverified online networks and social media handles.
Pharmacies, herbal shops and distributors have also been directed to inspect their stocks and report any suspected falsified products to the FDA.
Anyone in possession of the falsified Dr. Alfred Capsules has been advised to return them immediately to the nearest FDA regional office.
The FDA said it will continue its market surveillance and digital monitoring efforts to ensure that all remaining falsified variants are removed from circulation.
By: Bernard Mensah
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