Your Health is Our Priority

 Your Health is Our Priority: What NAFDAC's 101 Drug Clarification Means for Your Wellness

By The Live Well Team | Wellness Day Update

October 14, 2025

At Live Well, our mission is to empower you to live your healthiest life, and that starts with trust and transparency in the medicines you take.

Recently, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued a crucial clarification regarding a list of 101 drug products that have been categorized as withdrawn, suspended, or cancelled in the Nigerian market.

While news of drug withdrawals can sometimes spark worry, this proactive measure is actually a significant win for public health and is part of a global best practice to safeguard your wellness. Here is what you need to know to stay informed and safe.

Understanding the Three Classifications

NAFDAC’s action is designed to provide clarity and prevent the circulation of counterfeit or discontinued medicines. The status of a product dictates its safety implications:

| Status | What It Means | Key Takeaway |

|---|---|---|

| Withdrawn | The manufacturer voluntarily pulled the product from the market, often for commercial or market reasons. | Not necessarily a safety risk. The decision is often business-related. (e.g., some Artemether/Lumefantrine antimalarials were voluntarily withdrawn). |

| Suspended | NAFDAC temporarily halted the product’s registration due to the manufacturer's non-compliance with regulatory standards. | Pending investigation. The product is under review until the manufacturer makes necessary corrective actions. |

| Cancelled | The product's registration is completely revoked. This often follows serious issues related to product safety, poor manufacturing practices, or quality control failures. | Highest Alert. These products are no longer approved for sale or use in Nigeria and should be removed from circulation. (e.g., Flagyl Suspension and 400mg Tablets were cancelled). |

Your Wellness Action Plan

This clarification is a call to action for every Live Well reader to be proactive about their medicine safety.

 * Check Your Medicine Cabinet: If you or a loved one are taking any of the medicines mentioned, especially those that have been explicitly cancelled, cease use immediately and consult your doctor for a safe alternative. Note: You should seek out the full official list from NAFDAC for all 101 products.

 * Consult Your Pharmacist: A licensed pharmacist is your best resource. They can verify the current regulatory status of your medications and advise on safe, approved alternatives that treat the same condition.

 * Prioritize Approved Sources: Always purchase your medications from reputable, licensed pharmacies. NAFDAC is intensifying its crackdown on counterfeit, expired, and banned drugs nationwide, reinforcing the need to avoid unlicensed vendors.

 * Ask for the NAFDAC Seal: When acquiring new medication, make it a habit to look for the NAFDAC registration number and seal. This small check goes a long way in ensuring the quality and safety of what you are consuming.

NAFDAC’s commitment to cleaning up the market is a testament to the ongoing efforts to protect consumer health. By understanding these classifications and taking these simple, actionable steps, you are actively participating in your own health protection.

Stay safe, stay well, and always make informed choices!