The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has raised an alert over the circulation of counterfeit Avastin vials 400 mg/16 ml and directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove the fake products from circulation across the country.
In a statement issued by the agency, NAFDAC identified the affected product as Avastin vials 400 mg/16 ml, with the stated manufacturer listed as F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland, by Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany.
According to the agency, the counterfeit products bear the batch numbers K1830T71 and H0375B01. The manufacturing dates on the products are listed as 04/2025 and 02/2025, while the expiry dates are 05/2028 and 12/2027, respectively.
As part of immediate measures to address the situation, NAFDAC said all its zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to step up monitoring activities and ensure that the counterfeit products are identified and removed from the supply chain within their jurisdictions.
The agency warned importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to remain vigilant in order to prevent the circulation and use of the fake medical product.
“Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products,” the statement said.
“All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked,” the agency stressed.
Healthcare professionals and members of the public were further encouraged to report any suspected cases involving fake or substandard medicines.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office,” the statement added.
The agency also urged healthcare professionals and patients to report any adverse effects linked to the use of medicines or medical devices.
“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office,” the statement noted.
The agency also said the alert would be shared with the global health monitoring system.
“Furthermore, note that this notice will be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System,” the statement added.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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