The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has warned Kenyans about a fake version of the cancer medicine Phesgo that is circulating in the country. The board says the falsified product poses serious danger to patients and should not be used or distributed.

In a public alert issued on May 25, 2026, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board said it had identified a falsified batch of Phesgo, batch number C5290S20, in the Kenyan market.

The medicine, which treats certain types of breast cancer, is normally supplied as a ready-to-use liquid for injection under the skin. The board said the fake version looks different from the genuine product made by Roche.

“The vial contains a white powder, whereas genuine Phesgo is a ready-to-use, clear to opalescent, colourless to slightly brownish liquid solution,” the alert stated. It added that the batch number does not match any authentic Roche production records.

Dr Ahmed I. Mohamed, the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, signed the warning. He said the fake medicine could harm patients.

“The falsified batch may contain incorrect, insufficient, or harmful ingredients, and its quality, safety, and efficacy cannot be guaranteed,” he said. “Use of this product poses a serious risk to patient safety and public health.”

The Board said it fears patients who receive the fake drug may not get proper cancer treatment or may suffer harm from unknown substances inside the powder form.

Stop fake drug distribution

It ordered all health workers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and members of the public to stop handling the batch immediately.

“Stop the distribution and use of Phesgo (Pertuzumab/Trastuzumab), Batch Number C5290S20,” the alert directed.

The Board also urged the public to buy medicines only from licensed suppliers. It warned that unlicensed sources break the law and put lives at risk.

“All stakeholders within the supply chain should procure health products and technologies exclusively from licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers,” it said.

The board said it will work with government investigators to trace and take action against those involved in distributing the fake medicine.

It asked Kenyans to report any suspected fake or substandard medicine through several channels. These include an online portal at pv.pharmacyboardkenya.org, USSD code *271#, the mPvERS mobile app, email addresses [email protected] and [email protected], and telephone number 0795743049.

Ahmed Mohamed said the board remains committed to protecting public health. He urged Kenyans to remain alert and report suspicious medicines quickly.

Health experts explain that Phesgo combines pertuzumab and trastuzumab to target HER2-positive breast cancer cells and slow their growth. The Board said patients depend on correct dosing and formulation to get safe results.

Fake products can delay treatment and allow cancer to progress. Members of the public should check packaging carefully and only accept medicines supplied through licensed health facilities. The Board urged early reporting of any suspicious vial to prevent further circulation in the market and protect patients from avoidable harm across Kenya going forward.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has, in recent years, also raised concern over other falsified cancer medicines in the market. In a previous alert, the Ministry of Health warned Kenyans about fake IBRANCE® (palbociclib) used in treating certain types of breast cancer.

The board said several batches had been flagged as falsified or suspicious following a World Health Organization alert. It warned that such products contain no active ingredients and pose serious risks to patients.