The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has warned healthcare providers and the public about the circulation of counterfeit vials of the cancer medicine Avastin (bevacizumab) 400mg in the country.
The agency said the alert came after a report from the drug’s manufacturer, Roche, after an oncologist raised concerns about suspected fake vials discovered in a local hospital.
NAFDAC said the suspected counterfeit products carry batch numbers K1830T71 and H0375B01, with manufacturing dates listed as April 2025 and February 2025 and expiry dates of May 2028 and December 2027.
The medicine is used in cancer treatment, including recurrent glioblastoma in adults, and works by blocking the formation of blood vessels that supply tumors.
According to NAFDAC, the suspect samples were compared with genuine products in English, French, and Arabic packaging formats because the global trade item number on the product matched that format. However, investigators identified multiple inconsistencies that suggested the medicine was falsified.
“The tamper-evidence labels do not correspond to genuine Roche material, and the complaint sample serial number does not correspond to any genuine Roche serial number” – NAFDAC
The agency also reported spelling errors in the packaging text and differences in the placement of variable data when compared with authentic products.
NAFDAC said it has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove any counterfeit Avastin products found in their jurisdictions.
The regulator warned that counterfeit medicines may cause serious health risks because they have not been verified for safety, quality, or effectiveness.
The agency advised importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare professionals to obtain medical products only from authorised and licensed suppliers. It also urged healthcare providers to carefully check the authenticity and physical condition of medicines before administering them to patients.
The agency has encouraged healthcare workers and consumers to report suspected falsified medicines through its offices, hotline, or pharmacovigilance platforms.
The alert was meant to address concerns raised by regulators about counterfeit health products circulating in the country, including falsified HIV test kits, malaria medicines, and infant formula with altered expiry dates, to prevent further distribution.
