By Mike Odeh, Abuja.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a critical warning to the public regarding counterfeit cancer medications Phesgo® 600mg and Avastin 400mg/16ml that are currently circulating in Nigeria.
In a statement released on its official X handle, NAFDAC alerted healthcare providers and the public about the identification of suspected counterfeit Phesgo® 600mg/10ml in Lagos, labeled with batch number C5290S20. Additionally, counterfeit Avastin 400mg/16ml has been detected in Kano and Abuja, involving batches H0223B08 and H4239A70.
The alert follows a complaint received by the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) Roche from a doctor at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH-NSIA), who reported that a patient had presented the suspected counterfeit Phesgo® for administration, although it had not yet been given. NAFDAC noted that this batch matched a previously reported counterfeit batch, C3809C51. Despite the lack of a physical sample for investigation, images of the suspected product were analyzed by Roche, revealing significant discrepancies when compared to genuine samples.
Key differences identified included a non-existent batch number, mismatched labeling language, absence of a Basilisk, incorrect bollino date, and tamper-evident labels that did not correspond to authentic Roche materials. Due to the absence of a sample, chemical analysis could not be conducted.
Phesgo 600mg/600mg Solution for Injection is utilized in breast cancer treatment, targeting and killing cancer cells while inhibiting their growth. NAFDAC has emphasized the severe health risks posed by counterfeit drugs, which compromise the safety, quality, and effectiveness of medications.
Counterfeit Product Details:
• Product Name: Phesgo® 600mg/10ml injection
• Manufacturer: Roche
• Manufacturing Date: 01/2024
• Expiry Date: 01/2026
• Batch No: C5290S20
• Genuine Manufacturing Site: F. Hoffman La Roche Limited, Kaiseraugst, SwitzerlandNAFDAC has also raised alarms about counterfeit Avastin 400mg/16ml found in Kano and Abuja
