FDA warns against falsified Dr Alfred Capsules adulterated with sildenafil

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the public against the purchase and use of falsified “Dr Alfred Capsules” being advertised and sold on various social media platforms.

The FDA said the product has not been registered by the Authority and poses a critical public health risk because laboratory analysis found it had been adulterated with sildenafil citrate.

“The falsified Dr Alfred Capsules are produced in unauthorised, unregulated and unhygienic environments and pose a critical public health risk to the public,” the FDA said in a public release issued on Wednesday, September 9.

According to the FDA, laboratory analysis conducted by its Centre for Laboratory Services and Research confirmed the presence of sildenafil citrate, an undeclared drug substance, in the falsified product.

Sildenafil citrate is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and a prescription-only medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction in men and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The FDA clarified that the authentic Dr Alfred Capsules registered as a dietary supplement do not contain sildenafil citrate and are manufactured by CV Al Manar Herbafit in Indonesia for Unateus Ghana Limited.

It said two suspects linked to the manufacture and distribution of the falsified product are currently on police enquiry bail and assisting with ongoing investigations.

The FDA identified several differences between the authentic and falsified products, including inferior packaging and print quality, fictitious FDA registration numbers, missing security seals and differences in capsule colour and content.

“The public is advised to desist from purchasing medications, herbal remedies, or dietary supplements from unverified online networks and social media handles,” the FDA said.

The Authority has directed pharmacies, herbal shops and distributors to inspect their stocks and report any suspected falsified products to the FDA.

It also directed anyone in possession of the falsified Dr Alfred Capsules to return them immediately to the nearest FDA regional office.