Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Imitation cancer drugs have increasingly flooded the Nigerian market, prompting the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to issue a stern warning about the dangers these counterfeit medicines pose to patients. The agency revealed that fake versions of critical cancer drugs, including Avastin and Tecentriq, have been detected across the country, raising alarm among healthcare providers and patients alike.
The alert follows reports from Roche Nigeria, the authorised distributor of these medications, which indicated that multiple complaints had been received from medical professionals nationwide about suspected counterfeit products. Some patients had already purchased these medicines and presented them at healthcare facilities, often paying significantly less than the authentic versions, with prices ranging from ₦180,000 to ₦350,000 per vial. While the lower prices may appear attractive, regulators warn that the consequences of using fake drugs can be severe, including treatment failure, serious complications, or death.
Investigations by NAFDAC revealed several indicators that the products were counterfeit. These included mismatched batch numbers, substandard printing quality, incorrect text placement, and serial numbers that did not conform to Roche’s standard verification system. Such discrepancies suggest that these drugs are not only unauthorised but may also contain inactive or harmful ingredients.
Avastin is widely used in the treatment of multiple cancer types, including colorectal, lung, and brain cancers, while Tecentriq is an immunotherapy used for advanced cancers such as lung and liver cancers. Both drugs are vital for patients undergoing oncology treatment, and any deviation from approved formulations can lead to serious health risks. The circulation of counterfeit versions undermines the efficacy of cancer therapies and endangers the lives of those relying on these medications.
NAFDAC has responded by directing its zonal and state offices to intensify surveillance and remove any suspected counterfeit products from circulation. The agency also called on importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare professionals to ensure that all medicines come from verified and licensed sources. Patients are urged to be vigilant, check for irregularities in packaging, and report any suspicious drugs to regulatory authorities immediately.
Experts emphasize that the infiltration of counterfeit cancer drugs highlights broader challenges within the Nigerian healthcare system, including gaps in regulatory oversight, vulnerabilities in the pharmaceutical supply chain, and the need for enhanced public awareness. Counterfeit medicines are a persistent public health threat in the country, capable of causing not only treatment failure but also long-term loss of trust in healthcare institutions.
Healthcare professionals and public health advocates have underscored the importance of stricter controls, including improved tracking and verification systems that trace medicines from manufacturing to dispensation. Enhanced border monitoring, collaboration between regulators and pharmaceutical companies, and educational campaigns for patients are seen as crucial measures to combat the circulation of fake drugs.
The situation in Nigeria illustrates the grave risks counterfeit medications pose to patients, particularly those undergoing life-saving cancer treatment. It highlights the need for both regulatory vigilance and systemic reforms to ensure the integrity of the drug supply chain, protect patient safety, and maintain public confidence in healthcare services.
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