Nigeria: NAFDAC Warns Public Over Unregistered ViroActive+ Capsules Claiming to Cure HIV

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert warning healthcare providers, patients, and the general public about the circulation of unregistered ViroActive+ Capsules in Nigeria.

According to NAFDAC, the report was received as a complaint at its Bauchi State office. The product, ViroActive+, is being promoted online as a herbal supplement purported to cure HIV, boost the immune system, treat viral infections, and improve general health.

NAFDAC emphasized that there is no credible scientific evidence that herbal capsules can cure HIV. The agency noted that HIV is managed using antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescribed by qualified medical professionals.

The agency further warned that the product is unregistered, with unclear ingredients and manufacturing standards. NAFDAC stated that the safety, quality, and effectiveness of the product have not been verified through clinical trials.

Product Details

• Product Name: ViroActive+
• Batch Number: GVC/DEC/25/01
• Manufacturing Date: 03/12/2025
• Expiry Date: 02/12/2027

Potential Risks

NAFDAC warned that using unverified products such as ViroActive+ may result in:

• Treatment failure if patients stop prescribed HIV medications
• Unknown side effects or toxicity
• Delay in proper medical care
• Exposure to counterfeit or substandard products

The agency has directed all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove any unregistered products discovered within their jurisdictions.

Distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers have also been advised to exercise caution and ensure that medical products are obtained only from authorized and licensed suppliers. NAFDAC urged stakeholders to verify the authenticity and physical condition of products before distribution or use.

Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or send an email to sf******@********ov.ng.

Adverse events or side effects related to medicinal products can also be reported through the NAFDAC website, the Med-Safety mobile application, or via ph***************@********ov.ng.

For complaints, NAFDAC advised the public to contact its Reforms Unit via 09097630506, 09097630507, or email re*****@********ov.ng.

The agency also noted that the alert will be uploaded to the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) as part of international monitoring efforts.