The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over counterfeit cancer treatment drug, Phesgo 600mg/600mg/10ml, labelled with batch number C5290S20, and cautioned Nigerians and healthcare providers about the circulation.
Penpushing reports that the notification was made known in a public alert (No. 051/2024) available on the agency’s website, stating that the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH), Roche, received a complaint from a Doctor at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH-NSIA) regarding the suspected counterfeit product.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said the Phesgo 600mg/600mg, labelled with batch number C5290S20, was reported to have been brought in by a patient for administration.
Penpushing further reports that the agency disclosed that at the time of the report, the product had not been administered, but it matched the characteristics of a previously reported counterfeit batch, C3809C51.
“Although no physical sample was returned to Roche for investigation, images of parts of the product specifically, a Phesgo 600mg/600mg vial and a 10ml folding box were examined. The suspected product’s images were compared to genuine samples retained by Roche’, the notification said.
“Roche’s investigation identified several significant differences between the complaint sample and genuine materials, confirming the counterfeit status of the batch. These included: no batch number in the MAH database, discrepancies in language, missing basilisk, incorrect bollino date, and tamper evidence labels that did not match genuine Roche materials. Since no physical sample was available for chemical analysis, the investigation was limited to visual comparisons’, said.
Penpushing also reports that National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) explained that Phesgo 600mg/600mg Solution for Injection is used to treat breast cancer, as it works by killing cancer cells and preventing their further growth.
The agency declared that illegal marketing of counterfeit medicines was a serious health risk, as these products might not comply with regulatory standards and could undermine safety, quality, and effectiveness.
Penpushing reports that the statement added that the agency had instructed all Zonal Directors and State Coordinators to carry out surveillance and remove counterfeit products from their zones and states.
The agency equally advised importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to be cautious and vigilant throughout the supply chain, avoiding the importation, distribution, and sale of counterfeit products.
Penpushing further reports that the statement emphasised that medical products should only be obtained from authorised and licensed suppliers, with careful checks on their authenticity and physical condition.
‘Healthcare professionals and consumers are urged to report any suspicions of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office. Reports can also be made through NAFDAC’s contact number (0800-162-3322) or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
‘Additionally, healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report any adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices. NAFDAC provides e-reporting platforms on its website (www.nafdac.gov.ng) and through the Med-Safety app, available for download on Android and iOS devices.”
Penpushing also reports that National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) pointed out that the adverse effects could as well be reported via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng., adding that the product notification would also be uploaded to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS).
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