The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of counterfeit cancer drugs, Avastin and Tecentriq, across Nigeria, warning that patients could face life-threatening risks.

In a public alert, the agency revealed that fake batches of Avastin 400mg/16ml and Tecentriq 1200mg/20ml have infiltrated the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain. The warning followed reports from Roche Nigeria after healthcare professionals flagged suspicious products.

Avastin is used to treat conditions such as recurrent brain tumors, while Tecentriq is prescribed for advanced cancers including lung, liver, and skin cancers.

NAFDAC said investigations uncovered several red flags in the counterfeit drugs, including invalid batch numbers, poor packaging quality, spelling errors, and inconsistent labeling. Some of the identified fake batches include Avastin numbers H4239A70, H2290A34, A3508B02, and Tecentriq batch B3071A12.

The agency warned that such counterfeit medicines may contain little or no active ingredients, incorrect dosages, or harmful substances—leading to treatment failure, worsening illness, or death.

The fake drugs were reportedly sold at unusually low prices, between ₦180,000 and ₦350,000, raising further suspicion.

NAFDAC has directed its officials nationwide to intensify surveillance and remove the counterfeit products from circulation. It also urged patients and healthcare providers to purchase medicines only from licensed and authorized suppliers and to report any suspicious drugs through its official channels.