The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has renewed its warning on the safety of levamisole-containing medicines, reminding Nigerians of the potential risk of rare but serious neurological complications associated with the drug.
Although the agency first issued the public alert on June 8, 2026, it reposted the advisory on its official X (formerly Twitter) account yesterday to draw renewed public attention to the safety concern. In the alert, NAFDAC said the warning followed the withdrawal of levamisole-containing medicines by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), after the decision was endorsed by the European Medicines Agency’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC).
According to the agency, the withdrawal was prompted by reports linking the medicine to leukoencephalopathy, a rare but potentially serious neurological disorder that affects the brain’s white matter.
Levamisole is an antiparasitic medicine that has historically been used to treat worm infections in humans. In some countries, it has also been used for other medical purposes. However, concerns over serious adverse effects have led to restrictions or withdrawal of the medicine in several parts of the world.
NAFDAC explained that while the condition is rare, available evidence showed that the risks associated with levamisole outweighed its benefits, leading European regulators to recommend the withdrawal of medicines containing the active ingredient.
The agency noted that the safety alert was intended to keep healthcare professionals, patients and the general public informed of the international regulatory action and its potential implications. NAFDAC also urged healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and report any suspected adverse drug reactions associated with levamisole-containing medicines through the agency’s pharmacovigilance reporting channels.
Patients currently taking any medicine containing levamisole are advised not to discontinue treatment without first consulting their healthcare provider. Those with concerns about their medication should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist. The agency said it will continue to monitor emerging safety information on levamisole and take any necessary regulatory action to protect public health.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that medicines available in Nigeria meet acceptable standards of quality, safety and efficacy, while encouraging the public to stay informed through its official communication channels.
The renewed reminder reflects NAFDAC’s continued focus on medicine safety and public awareness. It adds to a series of safety advisories issued by the agency, including its recent health warning over banned alcoholic energy drinks, reinforcing efforts to keep Nigerians informed about products that may pose health risks.
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