The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians and healthcare providers about counterfeit Phesgo 600mg/600mg/10ml cancer treatment. The drug, marked with batch number C5290S20, was flagged after a complaint from a doctor at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH-NSIA). The counterfeit product was identified due to significant differences in appearance compared to genuine samples.
NAFDAC explained that although the counterfeit batch was not physically returned for chemical analysis, its visual characteristics were compared to genuine Phesgo, revealing discrepancies in packaging, missing labels, and mismatched tamper evidence. These findings confirmed that the batch was counterfeit, potentially posing serious health risks.
Phesgo is a critical medication used in the treatment of breast cancer, working to kill cancer cells and prevent further growth. Counterfeit versions of this drug may not meet safety, quality, or regulatory standards, undermining their effectiveness and putting patients at risk. NAFDAC emphasized that illegal marketing of counterfeit medicines is a major health threat.
The agency has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove counterfeit products from the market. It also advised healthcare professionals, importers, distributors, and retailers to be vigilant and ensure that only licensed suppliers provide medical products.
NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare professionals to report any suspected counterfeit products or adverse effects related to medicinal products through its contact number, email, or online platforms. The alert will also be shared on the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System for further global awareness.
