The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alert over the circulation of a counterfeit cancer drug in Nigeria, drawing attention to growing concerns around the safety of medicines within the country’s supply chain.

The agency confirmed that a fake batch of Herceptin 600 mg, a prescription drug used in the treatment of certain types of breast and stomach cancer, has been detected in Lagos. Herceptin, known generically as trastuzumab, is commonly administered through injection or infusion and is often used alongside chemotherapy to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

According to NAFDAC, the alert followed an official communication from Roche Nigeria, the Marketing Authorisation Holder, after a customer reported a suspicious product. The drug was said to have been offered by a pharmacist in Lagos at a price of ₦50,000, significantly lower than the standard market rate, raising concerns about its authenticity.

Further investigation by Roche Nigeria confirmed that the product was counterfeit. A comparison between the images provided by the complainant and the original packaging revealed clear differences, despite the fake product carrying details that appeared legitimate, including the manufacturer’s name, batch number A8519B34, manufacturing date of January 2024 and expiry date of November 2026.

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NAFDAC warned that counterfeit oncology medicines pose serious risks to patients, as they may contain incorrect or no active ingredients, harmful contaminants, or wrong dosage strength. Such risks could lead to treatment failure, worsening of the disease, severe side effects, or death.

The agency has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to increase surveillance and remove the counterfeit product from circulation. It also urged importers, distributors, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution across the supply chain to prevent further spread.

The discovery highlights a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical system, where counterfeit medicines continue to enter circulation, often through informal or poorly regulated channels. For patients undergoing critical treatments such as cancer care, the presence of fake drugs not only undermines trust in the healthcare system but also puts lives at immediate risk.

NAFDAC’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, particularly when medicines are offered at prices that appear unusually low, and reinforces the need for stronger monitoring across the pharmaceutical distribution network.

Meiza Nigeria