Segun Atanda/
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued Public Alert No. 033/2025 warning Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit Cialis 20mg film-coated tablets across the country.
The agency said the fake version of the medicine, discovered during routine market surveillance in Abuja, is being sold openly for about N8,000 per pack, while the genuine product retails for around N55,000.
Cialis, whose active ingredient is tadalafil, is a prescription medicine used primarily for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
NAFDAC cautioned that the counterfeit version poses serious health risks, as it does not meet the packaging, formulation or quality standards of the genuine product.
According to details provided by NAFDAC, the genuine Cialis 20mg tablets are manufactured under lot number D636431 with registration number 04-5196, produced in March 2023 and due to expire in February 2026.
In contrast, the counterfeit version bears lot number E3242401 with a false registration number 4464, shows a manufacturing date of March 2024, and an expiry date of February 2027.
The agency said these inconsistencies are clear indicators of falsification.
NAFDAC explained that the counterfeit Cialis, labelled as “Cialis Tadalafil tablets 20mg”, differs in both appearance and labelling from the authentic product. Consumers are urged to pay close attention to the packaging and to verify product details before purchase.
The agency warned that purchasing the counterfeit version is extremely dangerous because its contents are unknown and could cause serious health complications.
It advised the public to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and registered drug outlets, and to report any suspicious products or vendors to the nearest NAFDAC office.
NAFDAC reiterated that the significant price difference between the genuine and fake products should serve as a warning sign to consumers.
The genuine medicine’s cost reflects the standards of safe manufacturing, regulatory compliance and verified distribution, while the counterfeit’s low price exposes its illegitimacy and potential health hazards.
0Related posts:
Counterfeit Postinor-2 Floods Nigerian Market, NAFDAC Warns
NAFDAC Arrests Merchants as Flavored Drinks Kill 3 in Kano …Warns Nigerians against Using Chemicals to Enhance Food
NAFDAC to Re-certify Paracetamol Tablets Sold in Nigeria
Four Held as Police Uncover Fake Pharmaceutical Factory Set Up by School Cert Holder in Lagos
NAFDAC Destroys N5b Products as DG Urges Judiciary to Apply Stiffer Penalty against Drug Counterfeiters, Unwholesome Processed Food, Cosmetics
NAFDAC Alerts Public on Recalled Energy Drink