The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has issued a public alert over a suspected falsified cancer treatment product that it said is circulating in the Kenyan market, warning that its use could pose serious risks to patient safety and public health.
In a notice dated May 25, the regulator said the product was identified during post-marketing surveillance activities conducted as part of its mandate to monitor health products and technologies in the country and take regulatory action where necessary.
According to the board, the falsified batch contains discrepancies when compared with the genuine medicine. The regulator said the batch number appearing on the product “does not correspond to any authentic batch number.”
The board further stated that the product in circulation contains a white powder, while the genuine medicine is “a ready-to-use, clear to opalescent, colourless to slightly brownish liquid solution intended for subcutaneous administration.”
The regulator said the genuine medicine is not supplied as a powder and does not require reconstitution.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board said the falsified batch “may contain incorrect, insufficient, or harmful ingredients,” adding that its “quality, safety, and efficacy cannot be guaranteed.”
The regulator warned that use of the product “poses a serious risk to patient safety and public health.”
The board directed procurement agencies, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, healthcare professionals and members of the public to immediately stop the distribution and use of the affected batch and report any encounters with it to the regulator.
It also urged stakeholders within the pharmaceutical supply chain to source health products and technologies only from licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers.
“Procuring from unlicensed sources endangers patients and constitutes a violation of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Cap 244 of the Laws of Kenya,” the board said.
The regulator added that it would work with relevant government investigative agencies in addressing the matter.
“The Board, together with relevant Government investigative agencies, will take firm action against any individual or entity involved in the distribution of this and any other falsified batches,” the statement said.
The board asked members of the public and healthcare professionals to report any suspected falsified or substandard medicines through its official reporting channels, including its online portal, mobile application, email contacts and telephone hotline.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board said it remains committed to protecting public health and safeguarding the quality, safety and efficacy of health products and technologies in Kenya.
The notice was signed by Dr Ahmed I. Mohamed, acting chief executive officer of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
