Drugs in Nigeria (Getinomide 25mg)

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Hello,

I hava question about the effectiveness of Getinomide 25mg available in Nigeria. I have been using Vemlidy by Gilead for over three years and recently switched to Getinomide 25mg which I bought in Lagos, Nigeria. It saves me alot of money (25,000 naira compare to over $500)

I am aware that they have the same composition but I am concerned about the authenticity of the drug (it is extremely dangerous to be on fake or ineffective drug for momths). I checked with Nafdac and it seems the drug is registered with but the drug is not stated/listed on the manufacturer website. I have sent emails and messages to the manufacturer and Nafdac for weeks with no response.

I just wanted to ask if anyone in Nigeria has experience using this drug.

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Hi @Walenat,
I have never heard of this brand of antiviral, but a quick search shows it has the same active ingredients as Vemlidy. My problem is that Vemlidy is still under patent so how were these companies in Nigeria and Pakistan able to make generic versions? My understanding is one cannot make generic versions while the medicine is still under patent, unless permission is given to do so. I am not familiar with any news that Gilead has allowed others to manufacture a generic version of Vemlidy. While it is a good thing to have affordable versions of all these antivirals, personally, this will be a huge red flag for me given how much counterfeit medications are out there. I will suggest you talk to a few pharmacists in your area and see if they are familiar with this version of Vemlidy. Also maybe next time try and get all the information before making such a decision like switching medications. You don’t want to get harmed by trying to do something to help your situation financially. I hope this is helpful. Bansah1

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It seems Gilead approved the production in developing countries

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Maybe some @PharmacyExperts can also provide some information?

Cheers,
Thomas

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@Walenat,
I understand your concerns. They are quite germane.
First, Nigeria does not produce any Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients -API (imports 100%) and over 70% of finished pharmaceutical products are imported. However, the current leadership of NAFDAC and the Federal government have put policies and programmes to strengthen local production. Notably is the 5+5 policy which is very relevant to this discuss. In its simplest term, it means strengthening local manufacturing of imported finished products by ending renewal of importation license to pharma companies after the laps of 5 years post effective date of the 5+5 policy.

  1. Getinomide (TAF 25mg) is manufactured by Getz Pharma, manufactured in Pakistan. It was approved in 2020 by NAFDAC to be used in Nigeria and its approval would laps in 2025.

  2. So, to answer your question directly, Getinomide, as adjudged by NAFDAC, is considered safe and effective to be used in Nigeria. As long as it is listed in NAFDAC’s Green book ( https://greenbook.nafdac.gov.ng/products/details/3824), it is safe.

I do sincerely hope this helps you in some ways.

Best regards to you my dear Nigerian brother. I look forward to connecting with you.

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Thank you for the response.

By the way, I initially reached out to you on Facebook and WhatsApp (on number that ends with 3745) with no response.