By: Bayero Ade
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent alert to Nigerians, including healthcare providers, regarding a counterfeit cancer treatment drug, Phesgo 600mg/600mg/10ml, with the batch number C5290S20.
According to NAN, the alert, listed as public notice No. 051/2024 on the agency’s website, follows a complaint from a doctor at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH-NSIA), who suspected the drug to be counterfeit. The product, identified as Phesgo 600mg/600mg, was brought in by a patient for administration, though it had not been used at the time of the report. It was found to match characteristics of another counterfeit batch, C3809C51.
Although no physical sample was sent for analysis, images of the product, including the vial and a 10ml folding box, were reviewed. When compared to genuine Phesgo samples, Roche’s investigation uncovered several significant discrepancies, confirming the batch to be counterfeit. These included missing batch numbers in the official database, language differences, incorrect tamper evidence, and mismatched labels.
Phesgo 600mg/600mg Solution for Injection is typically used in the treatment of breast cancer, working to kill cancer cells and inhibit further growth. NAFDAC stressed the risks posed by counterfeit medicines, which may fail to meet safety and regulatory standards, ultimately compromising patient health.
The agency has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to monitor and remove any counterfeit products from the market. Importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare professionals are urged to remain vigilant and ensure all medical products are sourced from licensed and authorized suppliers.
NAFDAC has also encouraged healthcare providers and the public to report any suspicious or fake medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office. Reports can also be made via the agency’s contact number (0800-162-3322), or by emailing [email protected]. Additionally, consumers and healthcare professionals are advised to report any side effects or adverse reactions to medicinal products using NAFDAC’s e-reporting platforms or the Med-Safety app, available for Android and iOS.
The agency also confirmed that this product alert would be shared with the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS).
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