The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarms over the circulation of counterfeit Phesgo 600mg, a vital drug used in treating breast cancer.
The warning follows reports from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH-NSIA), where patients were found presenting suspected fake Phesgo injections for treatment. Complaints involved batches B2346B16 and C3809C5, according to the drug’s Marketing Authorization Holder, Roche.
NAFDAC noted that one vial from batch C3809C5 contained about 20mL, double the expected 10mL. Although only photographs of the suspected products were available for review, Roche’s comparison with genuine samples revealed multiple inconsistencies, including:
- Batch numbers not found in Roche’s database
- Incorrect text and variable data
- GTIN codes that did not match authentic products
- Missing tamper-evidence labels
- Significant differences in packaging materials
The agency also confirmed that batch B2346B16 has been associated with counterfeit cases in several countries, including Nigeria, Turkey, and the Philippines.
Phesgo 600mg, which combines Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab, is an important treatment that works by targeting and stopping the growth of cancer cells in breast cancer patients.
NAFDAC warned that counterfeit medicines carry serious health risks as they fail to meet safety, quality, and effectiveness standards. The agency has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to increase monitoring and remove counterfeit products from circulation.
Healthcare providers, distributors, and retailers are advised to obtain medicines only from authorized suppliers and verify the authenticity of products before use. The public and medical professionals are urged to report any suspected counterfeit drugs to NAFDAC through official channels.
