Senate Releases List Of 42 Banned Anti-malaria Drugs Still Sold In Nigeria

​The Nigerian Senate has listed about 42 anti-malaria drugs that have been banned in Europe but are still sold in hospitals and pharmacies in Nigeria.

The lawmakers raised the alarm that all the forty two anti-malaria drugs were still being stockpiled, sold and consumed in the country.

Hence, the Senate has mandated its Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), led by Senator Olarewaju Tejuoso, to urgently carry out a holistic investigation into the matter and report back for further action.

Raising the motion earlier, Senator T.A Orji, Abia Central said, “The Senate notes that recently the European Union banned the sale and consumption of 42 Anti-Malaria Drugs in all countries within the European Union.

“It notes that the 42 Anti-Malaria Drugs are: Alaxin 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine)B/8; Alaxin oral suspension (dihydroartémisinine) FL/80ml; Amodiaquine 200mg compressed B/1000; Amodiaquine 200mg compressed B/1000; Arinate 100mg tablet (artésunate) B/6; Arinate 50mg tablet (artésunate) B/6; Arsumax 50mg tablet (artésunate) B/12; Artemax 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine) B/8; Artémédine 40mg capsule (artemether) B/12; Artémédine 50mg tablet (artemether) B/12; and Artenam 50mg tablet (artemether) B/14.

“Also on the list are Artenam 60mg tablet (artemether) B/8; Artésiane 300mg child powder oral suspension (artemether) FL/38g; Artésunate 100mg compressed B/120; Artésunate 50mg tablet B/120; Artexin 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine) B/8; Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/9; Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/25 blisters.”

Others include: Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/55 blisters; Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiquine) B/24; Camoquin 600 mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/3; Camoquin oral suspension 50mg/ 5ml (amodiaquine) FL/60ml; Cotecxin oral suspension (dihydroartémisinine) FL/80ml; Cotecxin 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine) B/8; Daraprim tablet (pyriméthamine) B/30; and Falcinil 50mg tablet (artésunate) B/12.

Credit: dammy

MEET JACOB ODULATE, THE MAN BEHIND THE POPULAR ALABUKUN POWDER

The Alabukun drug has been a very popular medication in different parts of the country although few people have wondered how it came into being and the brain behind it. The drug has become a ubiquitous one that for some, it is the first point of call for any kind of ailment. It is also relatively cheap and handy making it affordable for consumers. 

How Alabukun became very popular in Nigeria and The man behind the it:

Jacob Sogboyega Odulate who was born in 1884 in Ikorodu Lagos created what later became the legendary Alabukun drug in 1918. According to report, Odulate at age 14 trekked from Lagos to Abeokuta for three months where he later established his pharmaceutical invention.

The production of the Alabukun drug:

In 1918 when Nigeria was still under serious colonial rule, Odulate with the help of his wife and children go to work at his laboratory and workshop at Sapon in Abeokuta. Most of its ingredients came from Liverpool and includes acetylsalicylic acid and caffeine as its active ingredients. “A packet contains 760 mg of acetylsalicylic acid and 60 mg of caffeine making a total of 820 mg.”

The drug became popular among those who preferred local medication to the European one because the powdery form of the Alabukun drug resembled traditional method of drug making which involved grinding the bark of trees into a powdery form. For others, Alabukun was a bridge between the traditional medication and the drugs introduced by the colonialist and was therefore easy to embrace by consumers.

CURE

Alabukun has been fondly referred to as “gbogbonise” especially by Yoruba-speaking Nigerians which literally translates to “a drug that cures all ailment.” This is because it is believed that it has the power to treat different illness especially pain, cold, headache and feverishness.

Why Alabukun is not advertise:

Although very popular, Alabukun has found a way into the heart of Nigerians without being advertise. According to report, the drug was spread by word of mouth while drug shops were encouraged to recommend it as a treatment for cold and headache. The feedback was that it worked very fast and being cheap, it soon gained steady rise and popularity. From there, it spread quickly from the south west to other part of Nigeria and then to Benin Republic.

How Alabukun became very popular in Nigeria:

So why is this drug not being advertise even more than 100 years after it was produced?

The first report is that the quick popularity of the drug provided Odulate with a strong sense of assurance that there was no need for it. By the time the popularity of Alabukun spread, demand for it rose from consumers.

Besides that, it was reported that the composition of the drug made it impossible for it to be placed for advertisement as that would have forced it to be put out of market especially from pharmacists.

Even without the opportunity of being placed for advertisement and under the reprehensible colonialist government, Alabukun soared making it one of the most popular and oldest indigenous drugs in the country.

HABITS THAT RUINS YOUR CAR FASTER

1)Using the Wrong Engine Oil
The thickness of the oil(viscosity)effects how the oil does its job.Each car engine was designed for a specific viscosity.There is a lot of difference between 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oil.
Always stick with the manufacturer recommendation,conveniently found in your owner's manual.


2)Letting Your Fuel Tank Run Low
You should never run the car on close to empty tank,before filling up at a petrol station.Keep a tank at least a quarter(1/4)full at all times with petrol to avoid fuel pump and engine issues down the road.It would also ensure that you do not get stranded on the side of the road with no fuel in your car.

3)Ignoring the Check Engine light
It could be something minor,but if left untreated,it could turn into something very costly.repairs.Investigate the potential problems yourself or take the car to a mechanic and have it checked.

4)Ignoring Weird Sounds You Hear
Knocking in the engine and the sound of grinding metal or squeaking brakes is typically a warning to the driver.It means that there is a problem and ignoring these sounds will only end up costing you more money in repairs in the long run. 

5)Not Using the Parking Brake
Parking brakes lock the wheels on a car,ensuring it doesn't roll or move when parked.It also protects the transmission when the car is parked.The vehicle is not meant to be held in place by the transmission.That is what the parking brake is meant to be used for.Also remember to release the parking brake before driving off.

6)Filling Your Radiator With Water Only
The purpose of antifreeze/coolant is to keep the water in your car from freezing in cold weather and from boiling and overheating in hot weather.Either of these conditions can cause a breakdown and serious injury to your engine.
Use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant or as recommended.

7)Not Slowing Down for Speed Bumps or Avoiding Pot Holes
Hitting a speed bump too fast or carelessly running over a pot hole will destroy your shocks,suspension and wheel alignment quicker.Thses can be avoided by slowing down for a speed bump or swerving around a pot hole

8 )Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Using a wrong cleaning products containing ammonia on a tinted windows will cause them to discolor(purple tinted).Most of the cleaners sold for car upholstery can also cause vinyl and leather seats to fade.Use a dedicated automotive window cleaner or water instead.Water removes most dirt and debris quickly and easily,without damaging the interior or exterior of a car.