NAFDAC raises alarm over fake cancer drug

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over the circulation of two batches of counterfeit cancer drug, Avastin 400mg/16ml.

NAFDAC in the alert posted on its official X handle, said the affected batches, H0223B08 and H4239A70, were identified in Kano and Abuja.

Calling for vigilance from the public, NAFDAC was notified by the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) Roche that a pharmacist reported the purchase of the counterfeited Avastin Vials 400 mg/16 ml, batch H0223B08 by a patient from a pharmacy in Kano.

NAFDAC said, “This batch has earlier been published in a previous public alert from NAFDAC.

“Similarly, another counterfeited Avastin Vials 400 mg/16 ml, batch H4239A70, was reported by a Pharmacist in the Federal Medical Center in Abuja.

“However, investigation has confirmed that the genuine batch number H0223B08 is associated with Avastin 400mg/16ml in Vietnamese make-up, the genuine product was distributed to Vietnam in July 2020, and the batch H0223B08 already expired in July 2022.”

“It may contain the wrong ingredients, contain too much, too little or no active ingredient at all or contain other harmful ingredients and can result to poisoning, treatment failure and compromised drug effectiveness,” it said.

Adding, the agency said, “Anyone in possession of any of the counterfeit lots is advised to immediately discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“If you have used any of the products, or someone you know, has used it, or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.”