NAFDAC alerts public to counterfeit cancer drug in circulation
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent warning about a suspected counterfeit cancer drug, Phesgo 600mg/600mg/10ml injection, identified by the batch number C5290S20.
This warning follows a report from a doctor at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) who raised concerns after a patient presented the drug for administration. An investigation revealed that this batch bore striking similarities to a previously flagged counterfeit batch, C3809C51.
Roche, the legitimate manufacturer of Phesgo, examined images of the product and confirmed its falsified status. Key discrepancies identified include:
A non-existent batch number.
Incorrect language on the packaging.
Missing tamper-evidence features.
Labels inconsistent with genuine products.
NAFDAC stressed the dangers of counterfeit medicines, which are unsafe and ineffective, posing serious risks to public health.
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The agency urged importers, distributors, healthcare workers, and consumers to remain alert and ensure that medicines are sourced only from authorised providers. Stakeholders were also advised to carefully verify the authenticity and condition of medical products before use.
NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance operations to remove the counterfeit product from circulation.
NAFDAC’s statement read:
“The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) wishes to inform healthcare providers and the public about a suspected counterfeit Phesgo® 600mg/600mg/10ml, bearing batch number C5290S20. The product was reported by a doctor at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH-NSIA) after it was brought in by a patient.”
The agency added that while no physical sample was submitted for examination, photographic evidence revealed significant inconsistencies with genuine products.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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