NAFDAC Amoxicillin ban claims false; agency confirms no nationwide prohibition, with recalls limited to specific substandard batches

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismissed reports suggesting that the antibiotic Amoxicillin has been banned in Nigeria.

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In a public notice issued on Monday, NAFDAC described the viral social media claims as false, emphasising that there is no blanket prohibition on the medicine.

NAFDAC stated that while it routinely issues safety alerts and recalls for specific substandard or affected batches of medicines, such measures do not constitute a ban on an entire drug category.

“NAFDAC has not banned Amoxicillin in Nigeria, either secretly or openly. As a responsible regulatory authority, the Agency publicly notifies Nigerians of any regulatory actions through official channels,” the statement said.

The agency explained that its recalls, safety alerts and blacklists include details such as product names, batch numbers and manufacturers to guide healthcare providers and the public.

NAFDAC also cited previous targeted actions involving some Amoxicillin products. In August 2025, it recalled Amoxivue 500mg capsules due to low active pharmaceutical ingredient content.

In October 2025, the agency issued alerts on substandard batches of Astamocil, Astamentin, Annmox and Jawamox suspensions.

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The agency stressed that these measures were limited to specific products and did not amount to banning Amoxicillin nationwide.