The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a public alert regarding a batch of counterfeit Herceptin 440mg (Trastuzumab 440mg) drugs, vital in treating breast and stomach cancer, that has infiltrated the Kenyan market.
The PPB revealed that the counterfeit drugs, labeled with batch number C5830083, falsely claim to be manufactured in Germany by Roche Products Ltd. The packaging indicates a manufacturing date of 12/2021 and an expiry date of 11/2024.
“This specific product batch number C5830083 is a confirmed counterfeit. It is not authorized for sale in the market and is a falsified product due to discrepancies in contents, packaging, and labeling as confirmed by the brand owner,” PPB stated in a public notice released on Saturday.
As a result, PPB strongly advises against the use, distribution, sale, or supply of product batch number C5830083 due to uncertainties regarding its safety, quality, and efficacy.
Furthermore, in collaboration with government investigative agencies, PPB has taken legal and regulatory actions against individuals suspected of involvement in the distribution of the counterfeit drugs.
“The PPB has launched swift measures and intensified market surveillance to safeguard public safety and health,” the agency assured.
“We want to reassure the public that PPB maintains a robust market surveillance and control system, continuously monitoring the quality and safety of medical products available in the Kenyan market.”
PPB urged the public and healthcare providers to promptly report any suspicious activities involving questionable, substandard, or counterfeit medical products to the agency for appropriate action.
