The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned Nigerians against the use of the drug, Weight Rapid Loss Capsule.

NAFDAC gave the warning via an alert issued by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on Sunday.

Adeyeye stated that the drug has been found to have potential to cause cancer, adding that the result of laboratory analysis showed that the drug, manufactured by Ingi Oman, contains banned substance “phenolphthalein”, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognised as unsafe.

She noted 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.

READ ALSO: NAFDAC alerts Nigerians over fake COVID-19 test kits

The NAFDAC DG added: “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, however, urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse effect experienced with the use of the product to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The NAFDAC also enjoined Nigerians 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.

The Star