In a disturbing development, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit cancer drugs, specifically Avastin 400mg/16ml, in two major cities: Kano and Abuja. This alert, which was issued by the agency on January 3, 2025, raises serious concerns about the growing presence of fake medications in the country, putting the health of countless patients at risk.
The counterfeit Avastin vials in question have been identified under two distinct batches—H0223B08 and H4239A70. According to NAFDAC’s official statement, these fake drugs were initially detected in Kano, following a report from a local pharmacist. The fraudulent products were found when a patient purchased them from a pharmacy in the city. Another counterfeit batch, H4239A70, was flagged by a pharmacist at the Federal Medical Center in Abuja.
NAFDAC’s investigation has revealed that the affected batch, H0223B08, was previously identified in a public alert issued by the agency. This batch, which had already expired by July 2022, is allegedly linked to Avastin 400mg/16ml manufactured in Vietnam. It was originally distributed to Vietnam in 2020, but the counterfeit versions circulating in Nigeria have posed a serious threat to public health.
“Consumers and healthcare providers must remain vigilant. These counterfeit products could contain dangerous ingredients, incorrect dosages, or no active ingredients at all,” NAFDAC stated in its official alert.
The agency’s warning is a stark reminder of the risks associated with counterfeit drugs. NAFDAC emphasized that fake medications can lead to severe health complications, including treatment failure, poisoning, or even death. The warning specifically noted that such fake drugs might contain harmful chemicals, or have ingredients in incorrect quantities, making them potentially fatal for patients who rely on them for life-saving treatment.
In a statement, NAFDAC further stressed the importance of consumer caution: “Anyone who may have purchased or is in possession of any of the counterfeit lots should immediately cease usage and return the product to the nearest NAFDAC office.” The agency is urging Nigerians to be proactive in protecting themselves and others from the dangers of fake drugs. “If you or someone you know has used any of the counterfeit drugs and experienced adverse reactions, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional,” NAFDAC added.
The alert also sheds light on the broader implications of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, where the availability of substandard pharmaceuticals remains a pressing issue. Counterfeit medicines, especially for chronic diseases like cancer, have become a growing problem in the country. As reported by NAFDAC, these illegal drugs often infiltrate the market through unregulated outlets, leading to severe public health risks.
This incident comes on the heels of several other high-profile counterfeit drug cases, with NAFDAC making significant strides in identifying and confiscating fake drugs from Nigerian markets. Earlier in 2024, the agency uncovered a massive counterfeit rice operation in Nasarawa State, and more recently, it sealed off shops in Aba Market due to the circulation of fake products worth billions of naira. Despite these efforts, the prevalence of counterfeit drugs remains a significant challenge for the regulatory agency.
“The issue of fake drugs, particularly cancer treatment drugs, is alarming because of the severe consequences it could have on patients. These drugs are not just ineffective; they can be life-threatening,” said a public health expert, Dr. Ifeoma Okafor. She explained that patients battling cancer may unknowingly be exposed to products that offer no therapeutic benefit, resulting in worsened health conditions or premature deaths. “It’s critical for patients to ensure they only use medications from trusted sources, and they should always confirm the authenticity of the drugs prescribed,” she advised.
While NAFDAC has called for increased vigilance, the public remains concerned about the ease with which counterfeit products infiltrate legitimate pharmacies and hospitals. This situation underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations and enforcement to curb the entry of fake drugs into Nigeria’s health system.
To address these concerns, NAFDAC has urged all healthcare professionals to assist in the identification and removal of counterfeit drugs from the supply chain. “We are committed to protecting the health and safety of Nigerians, and we will continue to work with all stakeholders to remove substandard and counterfeit drugs from the market,” said Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, in a recent statement.
This case of counterfeit Avastin is not an isolated one, as other cancer treatments have also been found to be counterfeit in different parts of the world, including in Africa. The problem is exacerbated in countries with weak regulatory oversight, such as Nigeria, where counterfeiters exploit gaps in the system for financial gain.
However, NAFDAC’s alert and continued efforts to fight this issue serve as a reminder that vigilance is key to ensuring the safety of all consumers. As the agency continues to work on preventing the spread of fake cancer drugs, Nigerian patients are advised to take extra caution when purchasing any medication, particularly cancer treatments, and to always verify their authenticity through official channels.
The public’s role in reporting suspicious drugs is crucial in combating the growing threat of counterfeit medications. NAFDAC has urged anyone who suspects they may have encountered a counterfeit drug to contact the agency immediately and report the issue. The agency has set up hotlines and a dedicated platform for public complaints, ensuring that Nigerians can play an active role in safeguarding their health.
With the threat of counterfeit drugs looming large, NAFDAC’s actions are a critical part of a broader effort to protect the health and well-being of Nigerian citizens, especially those fighting life-threatening conditions like cancer. The agency’s work is essential in the ongoing fight against the illegal drug trade, but it also calls for greater public awareness and involvement to fully address the problem.
