Concerned about the spread of a fake breast cancer medication in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning that it puts patients’ health at grave danger.
The agency revealed that Phesgo® 600mg, a phoney product, was found after Roche received complaints from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH-NSIA). Suspected counterfeit batches with numbers were the subject of the complaints. Patients reportedly brought in B2346B16 and C3809C5 for therapy. One of the batches, C3809C5, had a vial volume of almost 20mL rather than the anticipated 10mL, according to the NAFDAC statement, casting doubt on its legitimacy.
One medication used to treat breast cancer is Phesgo 600mg. It functions by destroying cancer cells and inhibiting their proliferation. Phesgo’s legal manufacturer, Roche, said that since physical samples were not supplied, only images of the samples were made available for examination. The photos were thoroughly inspected and contrasted with real retained samples in spite of this restriction. A batch number that doesn’t exist in its database, improper text, incorrect variable data, and a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) barcode that doesn’t match any real goods are just a few of the discrepancies the company found that proved the products were fake.
The lack of a tamper-evident label and obvious variations in packaging from the original goods were also mentioned. The physical samples were not submitted for examination, hence chemical testing was not possible. “The complainants submitted Roche only images of the complaint samples for examination. Roche examined the images and compared them to real retained samples, even though a thorough analysis was not feasible. The examination revealed the following notable discrepancies between the authentic materials and the complaint sample photos, confirming the suspected counterfeit batches’ faked status. According to NAFDACAccording to additional research, batch number B2346B16 has been connected to at least four verified counterfeit cases that have been documented in several nations, including the Philippines, Nigeria, and Turkey. The identical fictitious batch number and false information were included in every case that was reported.NAFDAC cautioned that since counterfeit medications don’t adhere to the necessary safety, quality, and efficacy criteria, their illicit production and distribution represent a serious threat to public health. According to NAFDAC, “illegal marketing and distribution of counterfeit medicines puts people’s health at risk because they do not guarantee the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products due to non-compliance with regulatory standards.” Inconsistencies in manufacturing information are evident in the details of the suspected counterfeit goods, and the photographs examined do not clearly identify the declared production place.
However, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, located in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland, produces the authentic product. As a result, NAFDAC has instructed all state coordinators and zonal directors to step up monitoring and stop the counterfeit goods from being sold nationwide. It has been recommended that importers, distributors, healthcare providers, and carers exercise caution throughout the supply chain and refrain from dealing in unverified goods.The organization emphasised that before using any medical product, its legitimacy and physical state must be thoroughly examined and that only authorised and licensed suppliers should be used. “All medical supplies must come from approved or authorised vendors. The physical state and validity of the goods should be thoroughly examined. NAFDAC emphasisedThe public and medical professionals are also urged to notify the closest NAFDAC office of any suspected sale of phoney or inferior medications.
Additionally, reports can be sent through the agency’s official reporting channels, email, or toll-free number. In a similar vein, NAFDAC’s web platforms and mobile application encourage people and healthcare professionals to report any negative reactions or side effects associated with the usage of medical items.
