NAFDAC Warns Nigerians as Fake Avastin and Tecentriq Cancer Drugs Flood Market

Counterfeit Cancer Drugs: NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Fake Avastin and Tecentriq in Nigeria 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a serious warning to Nigerian patients, healthcare professionals, and pharmacies after discovering counterfeit batches of critical cancer treatment medicines in the nation’s drug supply chain. The agency revealed that fake versions of two life‑saving oncology drugs, Avastin (bevacizumab) and Tecentriq (atezolizumab), have been detected at different points across the country.

Both medications are widely used in modern cancer care: Avastin is an anti‑angiogenic therapy used to treat various cancers, including colorectal, lung, and certain brain tumors. While Tecentriq is an immunotherapy drug prescribed for advanced cancers such as lung, liver, and bladder cancer.

These drugs play crucial roles in improving survival and quality of life for patients, making their authenticity and safety paramount.

NAFDAC’s alert follows reports from healthcare providers and regular market surveillance that raised red flags about suspicious oncology products. Further investigation revealed that, the packaging and labeling on some Avastin and Tecentriq products were inconsistent with approved standards, some batches were being offered at unusually low prices, a common sign of counterfeit distribution, and laboratory tests confirmed that these products were not genuine and could contain incorrect or harmful substances. The affected products included, Avastin 400mg/16ml vials, and Tecentriq 1200mg/20ml vials. 

The discovery prompted immediate action from regulatory authorities.

In a public advisory, NAFDAC urged members of the public, healthcare institutions, and drug distributors to be extremely cautious and to verify the authenticity of oncology drugs before use or purchase. The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and vowed to step up surveillance and enforcement to root out counterfeit medicines from Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. A NAFDAC spokesperson said: 

   “Counterfeit medicines, especially cancer drugs, pose a grave danger to patients and the entire healthcare system. We urge patients and pharmacists to confirm drug authenticity before use.”

NAFDAC provided practical steps to help the public avoid falling victim to counterfeit cancer drugs, which includes, (a) Only purchase medicines from licensed pharmacies and hospitals (b) Check product packaging for tampering or irregularities (c) Verify batch numbers and expiry dates (d) Report suspicious products immediately to NAFDAC hotlines or local regulatory offices. 

Healthcare professionals are also being urged to report unusual treatment responses or suspected fake medicines to health authorities without delay.

Using counterfeit oncology drugs can have devastating consequences: Lack of therapeutic effect: patients may receive no effective treatment, allowing disease progression. Toxic or harmful ingredients: fake drugs may contain dangerous substances that can worsen health or cause new complications. Loss of trust in healthcare providers and systems: when patients don’t respond as expected, confidence in treatment and care can suffer.

For cancer patients, whose conditions are already fragile, the stakes are especially high. Incorrect or fake medications can accelerate deterioration and reduce chances of recovery.  

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Counterfeit medicines are a global health threat, but they hit especially hard in countries with high disease burdens and limited access to affordable treatment. Nigeria, with its large population and increasing demand for advanced therapies, has become a vulnerable market for opportunistic counterfeiters. The discovery of fake Avastin and Tecentriq is a stark reminder that: regulatory vigilance is essential, public awareness must be raised constantly, and enforcement must be swift and decisive.

This is not just a regulatory alert, it is a life‑and‑death issue. Cancer patients and their families must take this warning seriously. The use of fake medicines not only undermines treatment but can also be directly harmful. As NAFDAC continues its investigation, all stakeholders, from patients to pharmacists to health officials, must work together to ensure that only safe, genuine medicines reach those who need them most.

                 Let’s Hear From You

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