This Medical Product Alert relates to two falsified medicines discovered by the National Drug Authority, Uganda and reported to WHO.
In July 2017 falsified versions of Avastin (bevacizumab) and Sutent (sunitinib malate) were seized by the National Drug Authority, Uganda. Both products were being distributed in the vicinity of various cancer treatment centres in Kampala, Uganda.
The genuine manufacturers of both products have confirmed that they did not manufacture these products.
Details and photographs of both products are available here.
Avastin is the trade name of a medicine manufactured by Roche/Genentech for the treatment of various cancers. It is not manufactured by AstraZeneca as stated on the falsified versions.
This falsified version of Avastin is being presented in plastic bottles containing blue/grey tablets. The genuine version of Avastin is supplied only as an injection for intravenous use.
Sutent is the trade name of a medicine for the treatment of pancreatic cancer manufactured by Pfizer. It is not manufactured by AstraZeneca as shown on the falsified versions.
This falsified version of Sutent is presented in plastic bottles containing blue/grey tablets. Genuine Sutent is only available as gelatin capsules.
WHO requests increased vigilance within the supply chains of countries likely to be affected by these falsified products. Increased vigilance should include hospitals, clinics, health centres, wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies and any other suppliers of medical products.
If you are in possession of these products, please do not use them. If you have taken this falsified product, or if you suffer an adverse event having taken these products, please seek immediate advice from a qualified healthcare professional, and report the incident to your local Ministry of Health/National Medicines Regulatory Authorities/National Pharmacovigilance Centre.
It is necessary to ensure that all medical products are obtained from authentic and reliable sources. Their authenticity and condition should be carefully checked. Seek advice from a healthcare professional if there is any doubt.
National health authorities are asked to immediately notify WHO if these falsified products are discovered in their country. If you have any information concerning the manufacture, distribution, or supply of these products, please contact rapidalert@who.int
Details and photographs of both products are available here.