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The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a warning to the public regarding a counterfeit cancer drug that has surfaced in the market.

According to the board, the falsified drug, used to inhibit cancer growth and alleviate symptoms of breast cancer, is purported to have originated from Germany and bears the batch number C5830083.

Poisons board statement

It was purportedly manufactured in December 2021 and is slated to expire in November 2024.

“The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) wishes to alert the public about a suspicious batch of falsified Herceptin 440mg (Trastuzumab 440mg) product that has been detected in the market. The product batch is CLAIMED to be manufactured in Germany by Roche Products Ltd, bearing the Batch number C5830083. Mfg. Date: 12/2021, Exp. Date: 11/2024.

“The public is notified that this specific product batch number C5830083 is a confirmed counterfeit. It is not authorized to be in the market and is a falsified product in view of the falsified contents, packaging, and labeling aspects which have been confirmed by the brand owner,” the board announced.

The board cautioned Kenyans against using the product, emphasizing that its safety and efficacy cannot be assured.

“Consequently, the PPB cautions the public against the use, supply, sale, or distribution of the product batch number C5830083 as their safety, quality, and efficacy CANNOT be assured,” the board stated.

PPB affirmed that it will collaborate with investigative agencies to take legal action against those responsible for the counterfeit supplies.

“Further, the PPB in collaboration with government investigative agencies has instituted legal and regulatory actions against individuals suspected to be perpetrating the illegal activities in contravention of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act ‘Cap. 244).

“The PPB has initiated a rapid response and heightened surveillance of the market to ensure that safety and public health are protected. We would like to assure the public that PPB has established a robust market surveillance and control system that continuously monitors the quality and safety of medical products in the Kenyan market,” the board noted.

Poison board call

The board has urged the public and healthcare providers to report any suspicious activities to them.

“We urge members of the public and healthcare providers to report and volunteer information on suspicious activities.”