The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sounded the alarm over the circulation of counterfeit Otrivin Nasal Drops across Nigeria, directing an urgent nationwide removal of the products amid concerns over serious health risks.
In Public Alert No. 019/2026, the agency disclosed that both children’s Otrivin Nasal Drops (0.05%) and adult variants are being sold without registration and are considered unsafe. “The Marketing Authorization Holder has confirmed that they are not currently importing any Otrivin products into Nigeria. Consequently, all products in circulation are counterfeits,” NAFDAC stated.
The alert followed a consumer complaint received by the agency’s Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate, which uncovered the unregistered nasal drops in the market. Otrivin is commonly used to relieve nasal congestion, treat allergies, and reduce inflammation, but counterfeit versions may contain substandard or harmful ingredients. “Unregistered products pose significant risks to public health. They may lead to treatment failure, adverse reactions, or worsening of medical conditions,” the agency warned.
NAFDAC noted that genuine Otrivin products carry registration numbers — 04-5350 for children and 04-0026 for adults — while fake versions bear suspicious batch numbers such as 7U8T and SU8X, with recent manufacturing and expiry dates.
The agency has mobilised all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove the counterfeits from circulation. Distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers were urged to source medical products only from authorized suppliers and verify authenticity before use. Suspicious products should be reported to the nearest NAFDAC office or via official hotlines.
This alert follows recent NAFDAC warnings on other unregistered or counterfeit medicines, including ViroActive+, falsified Cerelac, and counterfeit cancer drugs like Herceptin and Mabthera. The agency confirmed that the alert will also be escalated to the World Health Organisation’s global monitoring system to prevent international circulation.
Consumers have been advised to avoid all Otrivin nasal drops in the market until further notice.
