NAFDAC raises alarm over unregistered menofix capsules, warns of possible liver damage

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over the circulation of an unregistered health supplement, Menofix Capsules, warning Nigerians to stop buying or using the product because of possible liver-related health risks.

The agency, in a public alert issued on Tuesday, said investigations revealed that the product, marketed by PureEve, is not registered with NAFDAC and has not been evaluated for safety, quality or efficacy, despite being widely sold through online platforms and retail outlets.

NAFDAC said its Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate uncovered the product’s regulatory status after receiving a complaint over its sale and concerns that some of its ingredients could cause adverse effects on the liver.

According to the agency, the unregistered Menofix should not be confused with Menofix Herbal Capsule and Menofix Powder, which are duly registered under the Herbal and Nutraceuticals category and manufactured by Gudugudu Herbal Worldwide Enterprises.

The agency explained that the product is promoted as a hormone-free, vegetarian-friendly multivitamin and herbal supplement designed to help women manage the physical and hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause.

However, it warned that consumers risk using a product whose safety and effectiveness have not been verified by the country’s medicines regulator.

“As the complaint product Menofix is unregistered, it has not undergone NAFDAC evaluation for safety, quality, or efficacy. NAFDAC has therefore not verified claims associated with the product,” the agency stated.

NAFDAC added that some ingredients reportedly contained in the marketed product have been associated with rare cases of liver-related adverse effects, including hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes, jaundice and, in very rare instances, liver failure.

The agency said surveillance has been intensified nationwide to track the product’s distribution channels, while all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to remove the unregistered capsules from circulation wherever they are found.

It urged retailers, healthcare professionals and consumers to desist from selling or using the product, advising Nigerians to purchase medicines only from authorised or licensed suppliers and to carefully verify their authenticity before use.

NAFDAC also encouraged healthcare professionals and members of the public to promptly report suspected cases involving substandard or falsified medicines, as well as adverse drug reactions, through its official reporting channels.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health by ensuring that only safe, effective and quality-assured medicines are available in the Nigerian market.