NAFDAC advises against taking a weight loss supplement since it can cause cancer.

Nigerians have been warned not to use the medication known as the Weight Rapid Loss Capsule by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

This was stated in a warning given to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, January 22, in Abuja, with alert number 049/2022 and signed by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC.

Adeyeye stated that the drug has been found to have potential to cause cancer.

The NAFDAC boss added that result of laboratory analysis showed that the drug, manufactured by Ingi Oman, contain banned substance “phenolphthalein”, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognised as unsafe.

She added that the capsule, being marketed as “the most effective weight loss supplement” and sold through social media platforms like Instagram, also contain microbial growth above permissible limits.

She stated that “phenolphthalein has been found to be toxic to genes, as it can cause damage or mutations in the DNA. Studies have also shown its potential carcinogenic risks.

“NAFDAC implores consumers to stop the purchase and use of the product.

“Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue use or sale, and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.”

Adeyeye encouraged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse effect experienced with the use of the product to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Consumers are also advised to report adverse effect via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng or E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng.

The director-general urged the public to also report any incident concerning the use of the drug via the Med-safety application, which can be downloaded on android and IOS stores.