Public Health: NAFDAC alerts consumers to fake cancer drugs in circulation

*Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control discloses investigations showed counterfeit cancer medicines Avastin and Tecentriq were often sold at suspiciously lower prices between N180,000 and N350,000, stating unwary consumers face risk of death

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Concerned about patient safety and treatment outcomes, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over reported circulation of counterfeit cancer medicines, Avastin and Tecentriq in Nigeria.

ConsumerConnect reports NAFDAC disclosed this development in a public alert issued and posted Thursday, March 19, 2026, on its official Web site.

The health sector regulatory agency also confirmed that fake batches of Avastin 400mg/16ml (Bevacizumab) and Tecentriq 1200mg/20ml (Atezolizumab) had infiltrated the drug supply chain in Nigeria.

Avastin is commonly used in treating recurrent glioblastoma in adults, while Tecentriq is prescribed for several advanced cancers, including lung cancer, liver cancer, and melanoma.

It stated: “These counterfeit oncology products pose a serious threat to public health.”

NAFDAC also warned Nigerian consumers that the latest public alert followed official communication from Roche Nigeria after receiving multiple complaints from healthcare professionals nationwide.

Several cases, it said, came to light after patients had presented suspected fake drugs at hospitals in the country.

NAFDAC noted investigations revealed that the medicines were often sold at suspiciously lower prices, ranging from N180,000 to N350,000.

The agency further said in the alert: “The Marketing Authorisation Holder reported receiving complaints from healthcare professionals across Nigeria.

“On investigation, clear evidence of counterfeit packaging materials was established.”

According to NAFDAC, an oncologist had earlier raised concerns about certain Avastin vials, prompting further scrutiny. The findings were damning, stated the agency.

How to identify counterfeit products with batch numbers

NAFDAC disclosed it identified specific counterfeit batches, including Avastin with batch numbers H4239A70, H2290A34, and A3508B02, as well as Tecentriq batch B3071A12.

The health sector regulator also explained that counterfeit products showed multiple red flags, such as Batch numbers that do not exist in the manufacturer’s database, poor-quality printing and spelling errors, incorrect placement of information, tamper-evident labels inconsistent with genuine products and invalid serial numbers.

It said: “The batch number does not exist in the Roche database, making lot tracing impossible.”

NAFDAC further warned Nigerians that counterfeit cancer medicines could contain “incorrect or no active ingredients, harmful contaminants, or wrong dosage strength” with devastating consequences.

It noted: “This could result in treatment failure, disease progression, serious adverse events, or death.”

Agency directs Directors, Coordinators to intensify surveillance

The agency, nonetheless, declared that chemical analysis could not be conducted as no physical samples were available.

It said investigations depended on photographic evidence submitted by complainants.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC has directed all its Zonal Directors and State Coordinators to intensify surveillance and immediately “mop up the counterfeit products” within their jurisdictions.

It equally urged importers, distributors, healthcare professionals, and patients to remain vigilant.

It stated: “Ensure medicines are sourced only from authorised and licensed suppliers.”

Members of the public, therefore, are encouraged to report suspected counterfeit or substandard medicines through NAFDAC offices, its hotline (0800-162-3322), or via e-mail at: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

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