The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control, NAFDAC, has reminded Nigerians that multi-dose Artemether/Lumefantrine dry powder for oral suspension is no longer approved for registration or use in the country.
The agency made this known in a statement on Friday, 27th February, 2026, reminding the public of an earlier regulatory directive released in 2025.
According to NAFDAC, the decision affects all locally manufactured and imported brands of the multi-dose anti-malaria suspension.
NAFDAC explained that the medicine was discontinued because the drug becomes unstable after it is mixed with water, causing it to lose its effectiveness.
“This regulatory directive was taken due to the instability of the reconstituted formulations, which results in loss of efficacy of the suspension,” the agency said.
The agency noted that studies have shown that when the drug loses its strength, it may no longer treat malaria properly. This, it warned, could lead to worsening illness, treatment failure, serious complications, and, in severe cases, death.
NAFDAC further stated that it no longer accepts new, renewal, or variation applications for multi-dose Artemether/Lumefantrine dry powder for oral suspension.
Manufacturers, it said, are now required to produce the medicine either as dispersible tablets or single-dose powder or granules packed in sachets.
“This directive applies to all manufacturers and importers of multi-dose Artemether/Lumefantrineb dry powder for oral suspension,” the agency added.
NAFDAC advised healthcare workers and members of the public to report any sale of the discontinued products, as well as any suspected substandard or fake medicines.
