Lonart DS is the most widely purchased antimalarial drug in Nigerian pharmacies. It is in virtually every pharmacy, chemist, and patent medicine store across the country. But because it is so popular, it is also one of the most counterfeited drugs in Nigeria.
Every year, Nigerians buy what they believe is genuine Lonart DS and take it to treat malaria, only to find that their symptoms do not improve. In many cases, the drug they bought was fake.
This guide will show you exactly what Lonart DS is, what its NAFDAC registration number looks like, and how to verify yours before you take it.
What Is Lonart DS?
Lonart DS is an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) used to treat uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It contains two active ingredients: Artemether 80 mg and Lumefantrine 480 mg.
It is manufactured by Bliss GVS Pharma Limited and marketed in Nigeria by Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Lonart DS comes in a pack of six tablets, three tablets taken twice daily for three days.
The NAFDAC Registration Number for Lonart DS
The registered NAFDAC number for Lonart DS Tablets (artemether 80 mg + lumefantrine 480 mg) is the following:
A4-1827
This number should appear clearly on the packaging of any genuine Lonart DS product sold in Nigeria.
If the number on your pack is different from this, do not take the drug. Report it to the nearest NAFDAC office or use the Report Fake feature on verifyProduct. ng.
How to Verify Your Lonart DS
Step 1: Check the NAFDAC number on the pack
Look at the back or side of your Lonart DS packaging. You should see a NAFDAC registration number printed clearly. It should read A4-1827.
Step 2: Search it on VerifyProduct.ng
Go to VerifyProduct.ng, type in the NAFDAC number A4-1827, and check that the result matches Lonart DS by Greenlife Pharmaceuticals. If the number returns a different product name or manufacturer, something is wrong.
Step 3: Inspect the physical packaging
Genuine Lonart DS has the following physical characteristics:
A clearly printed, unsmudged NAFDAC number
A foil blister pack with six tablets
Tablets that are smooth, uniformly coloured, and identical in size
A package insert (leaflet) with full prescribing information in English
An expiry date and batch number are printed clearly on the pack
Step 4: Check for the scratch and verify the code
Some genuine Lonart DS packs carry a scratch panel with a unique code. Scratch the panel and send the code via SMS to 38353 to verify authenticity through NAFDAC's Mobile Authentication Service (MAS).
Warning Signs of Fake Lonart DS
Be suspicious if:
The NAFDAC number is smudged, faded, or different from A4-1827
The tablets are uneven in size, colour, or shape
There is no package insert inside the box
The pack has no expiry date or the expiry date looks printed over another date
The price is unusually low — genuine Lonart DS typically costs between ₦1,500 and ₦3,000, depending on location
The seller cannot tell you where the drug came from
Where Fake Lonart DS Is Most Common
Fake and substandard antimalarials are most commonly found in open markets, roadside medicine sellers, and some unlicensed patent medicine stores.
NAFDAC and the Nigerian Army have conducted raids in drug markets in Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba, and recovered millions of doses of counterfeit antimalarials, including fake Lonart.
Always buy from a licensed pharmacy or a patent medicine vendor with a visible licence displayed on their wall.
You should also check the genuineness of other supplementary drugs with Lonart, like paracetamol
What to Do If You Suspect Your Lonart DS Is Fake
Stop taking the drug immediately
Report the seller to NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322 or
Use the Report Fake feature on VerifyProduct.ng to flag the product
Visit a licensed pharmacy or hospital for proper treatment
Conclusion
Lonart DS saves lives when it is genuine. When it is fake, it does the opposite: your malaria goes untreated while you believe you are being treated.
Before you take any Lonart DS, check the NAFDAC number on the pack, verify it on VerifyProduct.ng, and inspect the physical packaging.
Your life is worth the extra two minutes it takes to verify.