Fake Cancer Drugs Flood Nigerian Markets As NAFDAC Raises Alarm, Calls For Vigilance
Fake Cancer Drugs Flood Nigerian Markets As NAFDAC Raises Alarm, Calls For Vigilance
The agency warned that counterfeit cancer drugs may contain wrong dosages, no active ingredients, or even toxic substances, potentially leading to treatment failure, severe complications, or death.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced circulation of counterfeit cancer drugs in Nigeria, warning that the development poses life-threatening risks to patients.
This was contained in a public alert issued on Thursday, noting that the fake versions of Avastin and Tecentriq, two widely used oncology medicines, have been detected in circulation across the country.
According to the statement,the warning followed reports from Roche Nigeria, which confirmed receiving multiple complaints from healthcare professionals nationwide over suspected counterfeit products.
The agency asserted that some patients had already purchased and presented the drugs at medical facilities, with prices ranging between ₦180,000 and ₦350,000 — figures significantly lower than the cost of genuine versions, raising red flags.
Investigations, it said, revealed glaring discrepancies in the suspected fake products, including mismatched batch numbers, poor printing quality, incorrect text placement and irregular serial numbers inconsistent with Roche’s standard authentication system.
The agency specifically identified counterfeit Avastin batches with numbers H4239A70, H2290A34 and A3508B02, as well as Tecentriq batch B3071A12.
Despite the alarming findings, NAFDAC admitted that laboratory analysis could not be carried out due to the absence of physical samples, relying instead on packaging evidence and reports submitted by complainants.
The agency warned that counterfeit cancer drugs may contain wrong dosages, no active ingredients, or even toxic substances, potentially leading to treatment failure, severe complications, or death.
“All zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to intensify surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products across the country,” the agency stated.
NAFDAC urged importers, distributors, healthcare providers and patients to exercise extreme caution and ensure medicines are sourced strictly from authorised and verified suppliers.
It also called on the public to promptly report any suspected fake or substandard drugs through its official reporting channels.
