NAFDAC warns Nigerians over circulation of counterfeit breast cancer drug Phesgo

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of counterfeit versions of Phesgo 600mg, a vital drug for breast cancer treatment.

The warning follows reports from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH-NSIA) where patients presented suspected fake Phesgo injections for administration.

According to NAFDAC, Roche, the Marketing Authorization Holder, investigated complaints involving counterfeit batches B2346B16 and C3809C5.

The agency noted discrepancies including a non-existent batch number, incorrect text and variable data, mismatched GTIN codes, missing tamper-evidence labels, and significant differences in packaging materials. Batch B2346B16 has been linked to confirmed counterfeit cases in Nigeria, Turkey, and the Philippines.

Phesgo 600mg (Pertuzumab/Trastuzumab) is used to target and halt the growth of cancer cells. NAFDAC stressed that counterfeit medicines pose severe health risks, as they do not meet required standards for safety, quality, or effectiveness.

The agency has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove fake products from circulation.

Healthcare providers, distributors, and retailers are advised to source medicines only from authorised suppliers and verify authenticity. Consumers and professionals are urged to report suspected counterfeit medicines through NAFDAC’s official channels.

NAFDAC has previously issued alerts on unsafe and falsified products, including the recall of MR.7 SUPER 700000 capsules, multi-dose Artemether/Lumefantrine powders, suspected revalidated SMA Gold infant formula, and counterfeit Dostinex 0.5mg tablets.