The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an alert about the circulation of counterfeit cancer drug Avastin 400mg/16ml, linked to two batches: H0223B08 and H4239A70.
According to a statement on its official X handle, NAFDAC revealed that the fake drugs were identified in Kano and Abuja. The agency was notified by Roche, the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH), after a pharmacist in Kano reported that a patient purchased a counterfeit vial from a pharmacy.
NAFDAC stated, “This batch has earlier been published in a previous public alert from NAFDAC.”
The alert also highlighted another case involving batch H4239A70, reported by a pharmacist at the Federal Medical Center in Abuja.
Investigations revealed that the genuine batch number H0223B08 was originally distributed to Vietnam in July 2020 and expired in July 2022. NAFDAC noted, “The genuine batch number H0223B08 is associated with Avastin 400mg/16ml in Vietnamese make-up.”
The agency warned that counterfeit drugs could contain incorrect ingredients, harmful substances, or ineffective doses, potentially leading to poisoning, treatment failure, or reduced drug efficacy.
“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 in poisoning, treatment failure, and compromised drug effectiveness,” the statement added.
NAFDAC advised individuals and businesses in possession of the counterfeit lots to immediately cease sales or use and submit the products 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,” the agency urged.
