FDA denies approving tapentadol, cracks down on illegal drug imports

Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has refuted claims that it approved tapentadol and carisoprodol-based drugs, following a BBC Africa Eye exposé on India’s Aveo Pharmaceuticals exporting such substances to West Africa.

The FDA clarified that these drugs, known for their high addiction risk, have never been registered for use in Ghana.

Authorities recently intercepted a shipment containing 181 cartons of Royal 225mg and 90 cartons of Tafradol 120mg, both unapproved medications.

The seized drugs were destroyed under court orders.

In response, the FDA has suspended local firms tied to Aveo Pharmaceuticals, including Samos Pharma and Masters Pharmaceutical Limited, reinforcing its commitment to protecting public health and cracking down on illegal pharmaceutical imports.