The Federal Government has launched a probe into suspected adverse reactions linked to Fortcef Injection after deaths were reported at the National Hospital, Abuja, and other healthcare facilities.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control said three fatalities had been reported in cases currently under investigation, following the administration of the ceftazidime-based antibiotic.
The investigation gained attention after a woman identifying herself as Nurse Lucy alleged in a viral video that four patients died at the National Hospital after receiving the drug.
The hospital disputed the figure, confirming two deaths involving patients who had received Fortcef Injection.
According to an internal clinical surveillance memo dated September 10, the two patients were relatively stable before the drug was administered on August 24 and September 9.
NAFDAC, in a safety communication dated September 14, said healthcare facilities had reported acute reactions after administering the injection.
The reported reactions included vomiting, chest pain, confusion, loss of consciousness, restlessness, gasping, flaccidity and unresponsiveness.
Two batches of Fortcef Injection — PFZIE001 and OFZIE001 — have been implicated in the reports received so far.
The National Hospital subsequently directed doctors to exercise heightened caution when using ceftazidime brands sourced from outside the hospital, particularly Fortcef Injection 1g, batch PFZIE001.
The affected batch was manufactured in May 2025 and is due to expire in April 2028.
The hospital said its Pharmacovigilance Committee had identified the suspected serious adverse drug reactions and reported the cases to NAFDAC.
Fortcef Injection contains 1g of ceftazidime, an intravenous antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections.
The ongoing investigation is expected to determine whether the implicated batches caused or contributed to the reported deaths and severe reactions.