The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called on Nigerians to promptly report any side effects or adverse reactions from medicines, vaccines, cosmetics, and other regulated products.
Esther Itua, the Edo State Coordinator of NAFDAC, made the appeal in a statement on Friday, highlighting the availability of the MedSafety App and other digital platforms for submitting such reports.
She noted that the MedSafety App provides a convenient and efficient channel for reporting unusual reactions to drugs or medical products.
“I am calling on Nigerians to report the adverse effects of drugs, cosmetics or other regulated products through the e-reporting portal on the NAFDAC website or by using the MedSafety App.
“This app is the most recent and modern tool for reporting adverse drug reactions. Once you submit your report, you get immediate feedback from NAFDAC confirming it has reached the National Pharmacovigilance Centre,” Itua said.
The coordinator added that the Edo State office organised a sensitisation programme on Wednesday to underscore the importance of reporting adverse drug effects.
“Pharmacovigilance is the responsibility of everyone, not just healthcare professionals. Provided you use drugs, we encourage you to report any unusual signs or feelings after use.
“Pharmacovigilance does not only cover orthodox medicine, but also herbal products, cosmetics, medical devices, and chemicals,” she explained.
Itua further stressed that robust pharmacovigilance systems enhance drug safety, build patient confidence, and reduce risks associated with medication use.
She described the sensitisation as successful, noting that experts were on hand to educate participants. She also commended the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Okpebholo Anani, for sending representatives, saying the gesture showed that NAFDAC was taking the right steps in the right direction.
