The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has raised alarm over the circulation of counterfeit cancer medications, specifically Avastin and Tecentriq, within Nigeria.
According to a public alert issued by the agency, the warning followed confirmation from Roche Nigeria after multiple complaints were received from healthcare professionals across the country regarding suspicious products.
Avastin (bevacizumab) is commonly used in treating recurrent glioblastoma in adults, while Tecentriq (atezolizumab) is an immunotherapy prescribed for various advanced cancers, including lung cancer, liver cancer, and melanoma.
NAFDAC disclosed that several fake batches of Avastin 400mg/16ml and Tecentriq 1200mg/20ml have been identified in circulation. The agency noted that many of the suspected counterfeit drugs were brought to hospitals by patients and were often sold at significantly reduced prices, ranging between ₦180,000 and ₦350,000.
Investigations by Roche Nigeria revealed clear differences between the suspected products and genuine ones. These included incorrect batch numbers, poor-quality packaging, misplaced text, inconsistent variable data, and irregular tamper-evident labels and serial numbers.
The agency listed specific counterfeit batches as Avastin with batch numbers H4239A70, H2290A34, and A3508B02, and Tecentriq with batch number B3071A12.
However, NAFDAC noted that laboratory testing could not be conducted because no physical samples were obtained; the investigation relied solely on photographs submitted by complainants.
The agency warned that counterfeit cancer drugs may contain little or no active ingredients, harmful substances, or incorrect dosages, posing serious risks such as treatment failure, disease progression, severe side effects, or death.
NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove the fake products from circulation. It also urged importers, distributors, healthcare professionals, and patients to remain vigilant and source medicines only from authorised suppliers.
Source: TheCable
