Nigeria’s NAFDAC warns of counterfeit cancer drugs that threaten patient safety

NIGERIA—The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent warning about counterfeit cancer medications circulating across Nigeria.

The fake drugs, identified as Avastin and Tecentriq, pose serious risks to patient safety and treatment outcomes.

NAFDAC released a public alert confirming that fake batches of Avastin 400mg/16ml (Bevacizumab) and Tecentriq 1200mg/20ml (Atezolizumab) have infiltrated the country’s drug supply chain.

The agency described these counterfeit oncology products as a serious threat to public health.

The alert followed official communication from Roche Nigeria after the pharmaceutical company received multiple complaints from healthcare professionals nationwide.

Avastin treats recurrent glioblastoma in adults, while doctors prescribe Tecentriq for several advanced cancers, including lung cancer, liver cancer, and melanoma.

Suspicious pricing reveals widespread problem

Several cases emerged after patients brought suspected fake drugs to hospitals for verification.

Investigations revealed that sellers often offered these medicines at suspiciously low prices, ranging from N180,000 to N350,000 (USD110 to USD215).

NAFDAC stated that the marketing authorization holder received complaints from healthcare professionals across Nigeria.

Investigators established clear evidence of counterfeit packaging materials during their examination.

An oncologist initially raised concerns about certain Avastin vials, prompting authorities to conduct further scrutiny. The findings revealed significant irregularities.

Identified counterfeit batches

NAFDAC identified specific counterfeit batches, including Avastin with batch numbers H4239A70, H2290A34, and A3508B02, along with Tecentriq batch B3071A12.

The counterfeit products displayed multiple warning signs that distinguished them from genuine medications.

These red flags include batch numbers that do not exist in the manufacturer’s database, poor-quality printing and spelling errors, incorrect placement of information, tamper-evident labels inconsistent with genuine products, and invalid serial numbers.

The agency noted that the non-existent batch numbers make lot tracing impossible, preventing proper verification.

Potential dangers and health Risks

NAFDAC warned that counterfeit cancer medicines could contain incorrect or no active ingredients, harmful contaminants, or wrong dosage strength.

These deficiencies could result in treatment failure, disease progression, serious adverse events, or death.

The agency disclosed that it could not conduct chemical analysis because no physical samples were available.

Investigations relied solely on photographic evidence submitted by complainants.

Heightened surveillance ordered

NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and immediately remove the counterfeit products within their jurisdictions.

The agency also urged importers, distributors, healthcare professionals, and patients to remain vigilant.

NAFDAC advised all stakeholders to ensure medicines are sourced only from authorized and licensed suppliers to prevent exposure to these dangerous counterfeit products.