The World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 400 cases of patients in Central Africa who took falsified diazepam causing acute dystonic reactions affecting the muscles of the face, neck and tongue. These cases were reported in north-east Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since December 2014.
Laboratory analyzes showed falsified tablets do not contain diazepam, but between 10 to 20 mg of Haloperidol (antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia). The WHO says that people who have taken this fake drug have developed an acute dystonic reaction which may require hospitalization. Falsified tablets are yellow in color and scored with a line on one side and bear the letters AGOG on the other side.
Agog Pharma Ltd. is a pharmaceutical manufacturer based in India. According to WHO, this laboratory sells generic drugs including Haloperidol – but not Diazepam – in the Central African countries, including Ghana and Zambia.1 st product
The tablets analyzed have revealed the presence of Haloperidol and were found in white plastic bottles of 1,000 tablets, marked with SOLINA ‘Diazepam Tablets BP 5 mg’ manufactured by CENTAUR Pharmaceuticals Ltd..
- Trade Name: SOLINA
- Product: Diazepam BP 5mg
- Batch number: SBG038
- Manufacturing date: Sep 2014
- Expiry Date: Aug 2017
2 nd product
Other versions of falsified Diazepam are packaged in containers of 1,000 tablets. Labels indicate AGOG Pharma as manufacturer, and it is still yellow tablets bearing the lettering AGOG.
- Product: Diazepam BP 5 mg
- Batch Number: 2332
- Manufacturing Date: Nov 2013
- Expiry Date: Oct 2016
These products circulate in the DRC. The WHO warns patients about these tablets and requests their highest vigilance.
The US FDA also warned patients about the dangers of buying diazepam online in the US and elsewhere. FDA reported
700 casesin a drug safety notice dated July 7, 2015.