FG Orders Withdrawal Of Contaminated Children’s Ibuprofen Suspension, Levamisole Drugs Over Brain Damage Risk

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Federal Government has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Levamisole-containing medicines from healthcare facilities nationwide following concerns over serious neurological risks linked to the drugs.

In a circular dated June 4, 2026, and addressed to Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of health institutions, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare directed healthcare providers to suspend the purchase and use of the affected medicines and report any adverse reactions associated with them to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Circulated all over social media, and signed by Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, Head of the Dentistry Division, for the Permanent Secretary, the circular seen by Truth Live News directed hospitals, parents and caregivers to report patients with adverse effects.

The ministry said the directive followed notifications received from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation regarding the withdrawal of Levamisole-containing medicines over identified risks of leukoencephalopathy, a rare but serious neurological condition affecting the brain’s white matter.

According to the circular, Levamisole-containing medicines are being withdrawn “due to identified risks of leukoencephalopathy, a rare but serious neurological condition affecting the brain’s white matter.”

The ministry explained that the condition poses significant health risks and necessitates immediate action by healthcare providers to prevent further exposure.

“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to immediately suspend the purchase and use of the affected products and report any adverse reaction linked to these products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC),” the circular stated.

The Federal Ministry of Health further directed hospitals and relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with the directive and disseminate the information widely.

“Please ensure strict compliance and wide dissemination of this information,” the ministry added.

The withdrawal of Levamisole-containing medicines formed part of a broader safety alert issued by the ministry, which also announced the recall of Children’s Ibuprofen Suspension over contamination concerns and the withdrawal of Impala Gel Nail Polish due to the presence of substances associated with carcinogenic and reproductive-health risks.

Truth Live News gathered that consumers had reported finding a gel-like mass and black particles in the Children’s Ibuprofen Suspension, prompting safety concerns and regulatory action.

According to the circular, Children’s Ibuprofen Suspension (120ml) bearing batch numbers 7261973A and 7261974A, with an expiry date of January 31, 2027, has been recalled nationwide due to potential contamination.

The ministry said the affected ibuprofen suspension was among products identified in safety notifications received from relevant authorities and urged healthcare providers to immediately discontinue its purchase and use.

The circular also announced the recall of Impala Gel Nail Polish following findings by Brazil’s health regulatory authority, ANVISA.

The product was recalled due to the presence of substances associated with carcinogenic and reproductive-health risks, including Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide and N-dimethyl-p-toluidine.

The ministry, however, did not specify the brands or quantities of Levamisole-containing medicines affected by the withdrawal.

Health experts say leukoencephalopathy is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s white matter and, in severe cases, can result in cognitive impairment, movement disorders and other serious neurological complications.

The ministry stressed that all adverse reactions linked to any of the affected products should be promptly reported to NAFDAC as part of efforts to safeguard public health.

The latest directive underscores ongoing efforts by health authorities to strengthen drug safety monitoring, enhance pharmacovigilance measures and protect Nigerians from potentially harmful medicines and consumer products.