The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent warning to Kenyans regarding the circulation of a falsified batch of the cancer drug Avastin (Bevacizumab 100mg Injection) in the local market. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), the national drug regulatory authority, confirmed that the counterfeit batch, labeled as Batch Number H0573B01, falsely claims to be manufactured by Roche, a reputable global pharmaceutical company known for producing genuine Avastin.
The Board cautioned that the falsified drug is unauthorized and potentially dangerous, posing serious health risks to patients undergoing cancer treatment. It urged all healthcare professionals, pharmacists, distributors, and procurement agencies to remain vigilant and to immediately report any cases involving the fake batch.
According to the PPB, the circulation of counterfeit drugs undermines the country’s healthcare system and threatens the safety of patients who depend on lifesaving medicines. The Board reiterated that obtaining medical products from unlicensed dealers or unregulated online platforms contravenes the Pharmacy and Poisons Act (Cap 244) and could expose patients to ineffective or harmful substances.
The regulatory agency warned that anyone found manufacturing, distributing, or selling falsified medical products will face strict legal and regulatory action. It further emphasized the importance of sourcing all pharmaceuticals from licensed manufacturers, importers, and distributors to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines available in Kenya.
The PPB confirmed that investigations are already underway in collaboration with government security and investigative agencies to trace the source of the counterfeit Avastin. It assured the public that decisive measures will be taken against those involved in the production and circulation of the fake cancer drug.
To enhance public vigilance, the Board encouraged healthcare providers and members of the public to report any suspected counterfeit or substandard medical products. Reports can be submitted through the PPB’s online pharmacovigilance portal at https://pv.pharmacyboardkenya.org/users/mpublic or by dialing the USSD code *271#.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that all medicines in Kenya meet the required standards of quality, safety, and effectiveness, and urged citizens to play an active role in reporting suspicious medical products.
