Mary Njoku Raises Alarm Over Fake Drugs After Health Scare on Set
Popular Nollywood actress and producer Mary Remmy Njoku has spoken out about the growing concern over fake or ineffective medications in Nigeria. The actress shared her recent experience on Instagram, revealing how she suffered from food poisoning while working on a movie set and suspected she was given a substandard version of a common medication.
Njoku explained that she took Imodium—an over-the-counter drug used to treat diarrhea—which she bought from a popular Nigerian pharmacy chain. Despite using it for three days, her condition did not improve. However, when her husband gave her the same medication that he had bought abroad, her symptoms disappeared within just five minutes.
This stark difference in effectiveness prompted the actress to raise serious concerns about the quality of drugs sold in Nigeria. She questioned the authenticity of medications in the country and warned that the issue poses a major public health risk.
“This is not the first time I’ve noticed a difference in drug quality,” Njoku stated. “What exactly are we being sold in Nigeria? What’s going on with our drugs? This is very dangerous.”
She called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to take urgent action and investigate the growing fear that fake or substandard drugs may be circulating widely.
What danger do fake drugs pose in Nigeria?
Fake or ineffective medications can lead to untreated illnesses, severe health complications, and even death. It also undermines trust in the healthcare system and leaves people vulnerable during emergencies.
Mary Njoku’s revelation has sparked concern among many Nigerians, especially those who rely on local pharmacies for essential medications. Her call for NAFDAC to act serves as a reminder that drug regulation and enforcement must be taken seriously to protect public health and restore confidence in the country’s healthcare system.
