NAFDAC warns about a counterfeit batch of Phesgo 600mg/600mg/10ml injection, urging vigilance among healthcare providers and the public.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent alert regarding a suspected counterfeit batch of Phesgo 600mg/600mg/10ml injection, identified with the batch number C5290S20.

The warning was prompted after a complaint from a doctor at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), who flagged the product as potentially falsified.

Also read: NAFDAC warns of counterfeit malaria drug circulating in Nigeria

In a statement shared via NAFDAC’s official X handle on Thursday, the agency confirmed that the counterfeit product matched another previously reported fake batch, C3809C51.

The suspected counterfeit Phesgo was brought to the hospital by a patient for administration, although it had not yet been used at the time of the report.

Roche, the Marketing Authorisation Holder for Phesgo, reviewed images of the suspected product and confirmed it was falsified.

Several discrepancies were noted, including a non-existent batch number, incorrect language, missing tamper-evidence features, and mismatched labels compared to the genuine product.

NAFDAC’s statement outlined the significant differences between the fake batch and the original, confirming the falsified nature of the product.

The agency reiterated the dangers posed by counterfeit drugs, which undermine the safety, efficacy, and reliability of medicines.

NAFDAC has urged all stakeholders, including importers, distributors, and healthcare professionals, to remain vigilant and ensure medical products are sourced from authorised suppliers.

Healthcare providers and the public are encouraged to report any suspected counterfeit drugs to NAFDAC through its offices, helpline, or email.

In addition, NAFDAC has directed zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove any counterfeit products from circulation.

“All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. The authenticity and physical condition of products should be carefully checked,” NAFDAC stressed in its statement.

Consumers and healthcare professionals are also encouraged to report any adverse events or side effects linked to the use of medicinal products or devices via NAFDAC’s various reporting channels.

The agency reassured the public that efforts to identify and eliminate counterfeit products from the supply chain are ongoing, and it remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Nigerian public.