How to tell a life-saving pill from a dangerous fake in 10 seconds
That NAFDAC number on your medication? It's your first line of defence against counterfeits. Here's exactly how to read and verify it. Step by step.
Every medication legally sold in Nigeria carries a NAFDAC registration number. For cardiovascular drugs, the medications keeping your heart working, verifying this number can literally save your life. This guide walks you through reading and verifying NAFDAC labels step by step.
Look for these elements on your medication packaging:
NAFDAC Registration Number — format is usually NAFDAC Reg. No. XX-XXXX or MAS-XXXX for imported drugs. This should be printed clearly on the outer packaging.
Manufacturing date and expiry date — both should be present. If either is missing, the product fails basic verification.
Batch/lot number — a unique code for the specific production run. Traceable back to the manufacturer.
Manufacturer name and address — tells you who made it. Unknown manufacturers without a verifiable address are a red flag.
Storage conditions — "Store below 25°C" or "Store in cool, dry place." Important for understanding if the medication was stored properly.
How to verify a NAFDAC number
Method 1: NAFDAC Green Book (online)
Visit greenbook.nafdac.gov.ng and search by:
- Product name
- NAFDAC registration number
- Manufacturer
If the product appears with matching details, it's registered. If it doesn't appear or details don't match, don't use it.
Method 2: NAFDAC mobile app
Download the NAFDAC mobile verification app. Scan the barcode on the packaging or enter the registration number manually.
Method 3: SMS verification
Send the registration number to NAFDAC's SMS verification line. You'll receive a confirmation or warning.
Red flags that suggest counterfeit cardiovascular drugs
| Red flag | What it means |
|---|---|
| No NAFDAC number | Product is not legally registered for sale in Nigeria |
| Number doesn't match product | Stolen or cloned registration number |
| Blurred or low-quality printing | Legitimate manufacturers use professional-grade printing |
| Spelling errors on packaging | Counterfeiters often make typos |
| Unusually low price | Below the manufacturing cost floor |
| Missing batch number | Can't be traced to a production run |
| Packaging feels different | Wrong weight, colour, or texture compared to known genuine product |
Beyond verification: source from verified pharmacies
Reading labels is important, but it's a last-resort check. The better approach is to source from pharmacies that only stock NAFDAC-registered products in the first place.
Pharmacies in our network are licensed operations with traceable supply chains. Every product is NAFDAC-registered and sourced through verified pharmaceutical distributors.
Search for your medication from verified pharmacies, or Speak with a Care Specialist if you have concerns about your current medication.