FDA warns public over falsified ‘Dr Alfred Capsules’ adulterated with sildenafil citrate

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a public warning against the purchase and use of falsified 'Dr Alfred Capsules', a dietary supplement marketed for male vitality, which is being sold on various social media platforms. In a notice released on September 9, 2026, the FDA highlighted that the product in circulation has not been registered by the authority and poses a significant public health risk.

Following regulatory intelligence and enforcement operations, it was discovered that an organized syndicate, operating in Accra and Suhum, was involved in manufacturing and distributing these fraudulent capsules nationwide. Two suspects linked to this illicit activity are currently under police bail and are co-operating with the ongoing investigations.

The FDA further revealed that the counterfeit capsules are produced in unauthorized, unregulated, and unhygienic environments, raising concerns about their safety and quality. Laboratory tests conducted by the FDA's Centre for Laboratory Services and Research (CLSR) revealed that the counterfeit 'Dr Alfred Capsules' had been adulterated with sildenafil citrate, a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The FDA emphasized that sildenafil is a prescription-only medicine and not listed as an ingredient in the falsified dietary supplement. The genuine 'Dr Alfred Capsules' registered in Ghana do not contain sildenafil citrate and are manufactured by CV Al Manar Herbafit, based in Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and registered by Unateus Ghana Limited.

The FDA provided several identifying features to help consumers and retailers differentiate between the authentic product and its falsified versions. The genuine product is sold in a pack of 30 capsules, with high-quality container material, distinct text alignment, and premium exterior finishing. In contrast, the counterfeit versions are typically found in 30- or 60-capsule packs, featuring low-quality container materials, poor print resolution, and blurred or altered typography.

The FDA also noted that the authentic product possesses clear and traceable batch numbers that match on both the label and the base of the container, while the counterfeit products lack matching batch numbers on the label and container base, and may bear fictitious FDA registration numbers. The FDA cautioned the public against purchasing medicines, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements from unverified online networks and social media handles.

It directed pharmacies, herbal shops, and distributors to inspect their stocks immediately and report any suspected falsified products to the Authority. Individuals in possession of the falsified 'Dr Alfred Capsules' have been advised to return them to the nearest FDA regional office. The FDA reiterated its commitment to market surveillance and digital monitoring operations, aiming to ensure that all remaining counterfeit variants of the product are removed from circulation.

The Authority urged anyone with information about the falsified 'Dr Alfred Capsules' or other suspected counterfeit products to report this information through its official channels, emphasizing the importance of verifying the registration status and source of health products before purchasing or using them, especially those promoted through social media platforms.