The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised serious concerns over the circulation of counterfeit cancer drugs, including Avastin and Tecentriq, across Nigeria, warning that patients’ lives are in grave danger.
In a public alert, the agency disclosed that fake versions of Avastin (Bevacizumab) and Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) have infiltrated the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain. The warning followed reports from Roche Nigeria, which received multiple complaints from healthcare professionals nationwide.
These drugs are widely used in treating serious conditions such as brain tumours, lung cancer, liver cancer, and melanoma. However, investigations revealed that the counterfeit products were being sold at suspiciously low prices, ranging from ₦180,000 to ₦350,000.
NAFDAC identified several fake batches, noting clear signs such as non-existent batch numbers, poor packaging quality, spelling errors, incorrect labeling, and invalid serial numbers. According to the agency, such drugs may contain no active ingredients, wrong dosages, or harmful substances.
The agency warned that the use of these fake medicines could lead to treatment failure, worsening of the disease, severe health complications, or even death.
NAFDAC has now directed its officials nationwide to intensify surveillance and remove the counterfeit drugs from circulation. It also urged patients and healthcare providers to purchase medicines only from licensed and authorised suppliers, while encouraging the public to report any suspected fake drugs through its official channels.