The Ministry of Health, through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), has warned Kenyans against using a falsified cancer drug that has been going around in Kenyan shops.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement dated Monday, May 25, the board revealed that a fake batch of Phesgo (Pertuzumab/Trastuzumab) bearing Batch Number C5290S20 is currently circulating in the country.

According to the Board, the counterfeit product poses a serious threat to patient safety as its quality, safety, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.

"The Board has identified a falsified batch of Phesgo (Pertuzumab/Trastuzumab), Batch Number C5290S20, currently circulating in the Kenyan market," the board stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

The board says the batch may contain incorrect, insufficient, or harmful ingredients that pose a threat to patients.

Phesgo is a specialised medicine used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer and is normally administered as a ready-to-use liquid solution through subcutaneous injection.

However, the ministry alleges that the fake version discovered in Kenya contains a white powder. In contrast, the genuine Roche product is supplied as a clear to slightly brownish liquid and does not require reconstitution.

"The vial contains a white powder, whereas genuine Phesgo is a ready-to-use, clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly brownish liquid solution intended for subcutaneous administration. Phesgo is never supplied as a powder and does not require reconstitution," it added.

PPB further disclosed that batch C5290S20 does not match any authentic Roche batch, raising concerns about the possible infiltration of counterfeit pharmaceutical products into the Kenyan supply chain.

Subsequently, PPB directed hospitals, pharmacies, distributors, wholesalers, healthcare workers, and members of the public to stop distributing and using the affected batch immediately.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke