Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
NAFDAC has issued a national alert warning that counterfeit Phesgo 600 mg cancer drug is circulating in Nigeria, posing serious health risks to patients relying on this critical medication. The alert comes after verified reports and product reviews revealed that falsified versions of the medicine have reached medical facilities, potentially compromising patient safety.
The agency’s notice was prompted by complaints from clinicians at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where patients receiving treatment for breast cancer presented vials of Phesgo suspected to be fake. Phesgo is a combination therapy used to treat HER2‑positive breast cancer by targeting and slowing the growth of cancer cells. Its authenticity and effectiveness are critical for patient outcomes.
The suspicious products were identified by batch numbers B2346B16 and C3809C5. One of the vials, C3809C5, was found to contain about 20 mL of fluid, double the expected 10 mL volume of genuine Phesgo vials, prompting further investigation.
NAFDAC shared images of the suspect vials with Roche, the legitimate manufacturer, which confirmed multiple inconsistencies compared with authentic samples. These included batch numbers not recorded in the company’s database, incorrect labelling, barcodes that did not match genuine products, missing tamper‑evident seals, and noticeable differences in packaging design and materials.
The agency also noted that batch number B2346B16 has been linked to counterfeit cases in Turkey and the Philippines, suggesting that the fake products circulating in Nigeria may be part of a broader international distribution network.
Counterfeit medicines present serious public health dangers because they are not produced under regulated manufacturing processes and may contain incorrect or no active ingredients, harmful contaminants, or inconsistent formulations. Patients using falsified drugs risk treatment failure, adverse reactions, or worsening of disease.
In response, NAFDAC has directed its zonal and state coordinators to intensify nationwide surveillance to locate and remove counterfeit products. Healthcare providers, pharmacists, distributors, retailers, and caregivers have been urged to source medicines only from authorised suppliers and to verify authenticity before dispensing or administering drugs.
Healthcare professionals have been asked to remain vigilant for suspect products and to report any potential counterfeit medicines through NAFDAC’s official channels. Patients and caregivers are also encouraged to check packaging details, including batch numbers and tamper‑evident seals, before use. Prompt reporting and verification can help prevent dangerous products from reaching vulnerable individuals.
The circulation of fake Phesgo reflects a wider challenge of counterfeit and substandard medicines in Nigeria. Strengthening regulatory oversight, enforcement, and public education is critical to protect patients and maintain public trust in healthcare systems.
NAFDAC’s alert underscores the dangers posed by counterfeit medical products, particularly for patients dependent on critical treatments like cancer therapies. Ensuring that medicines are genuine and effective is a regulatory priority and a vital public health imperative.
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