NAFDAC Calls on Nigerians to Act Now: Report Drug Side Effects Immediately for Safer Health!

From the moment a tablet starts to dissolve on your tongue to the quiet interval after receiving an injection, every medication embarks on a complex journey inside the body-sometimes leading to unexpected reactions. In a renewed push to improve drug safety, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) urges all citizens to promptly report any adverse effects they encounter from medicines or related health products.

NAFDAC’s message is clear and powerful: timely reporting transforms personal experiences into valuable data that helps regulators identify patterns, act swiftly, and avert potential harm. Whether the side effect is mild and unexpected or severe and urgent, reports from patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals bolster Nigeria’s pharmacovigilance system. This network facilitates thorough investigations, safety alerts, and, when necessary, the withdrawal of unsafe products from circulation.

By treating every report as a critical contribution to public health, NAFDAC aims to ensure that medicines available in Nigeria are not only effective but also as safe as possible. Early detection of issues allows for faster intervention and protection of the wider community.

A comprehensive guide for Nigerians on recognizing early symptoms of adverse drug reactions and reporting them through Med Safety and other official platforms, including tips on documentation, timelines, and safe medication use

Detecting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) at the earliest sign is vital for safeguarding both individual and public health. If you notice unusual symptoms-such as rash, dizziness, or stomach upset-make sure to note when the symptoms began, their severity, and any medications you are taking. Use Med Safety, NAFDAC’s official app, or other authorized channels such as the NAFDAC website or healthcare facilities to report these reactions promptly. Including essential details like the drug’s name, dosage, and batch number enhances traceability and speeds up response efforts. Follow this simple procedure to make your report count:

• Observe: Stay vigilant for any new or worsening symptoms after starting a medication.
• Record: Document the onset, frequency, and any factors that improve or worsen the symptoms.
• Report: Submit your ADR report through the Med Safety app or consult a healthcare provider within 24 to 72 hours.
• Follow up: Keep tracking any changes or persistence of symptoms for up to one week.