The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) under the Ministry of Health has issued a public alert warning Kenyans about a falsified batch of the cancer drug Avastin (Bevacizumab 100mg Injection) currently circulating in the market.
According to the notice released by the Board, the falsified batch, Batch Number H0573B01, falsely claims to be manufactured by Roche, a legitimate global pharmaceutical company known for producing authentic Avastin.
The PPB cautioned that the fake product is not authorized and poses serious risks to patients relying on it for cancer treatment.
“All procurement agencies, distributors, pharmacists, and healthcare workers are urged to stay alert and promptly report any cases involving this falsified batch,” the Board stated.
The regulatory authority emphasized that obtaining medical products from unlicensed sources endangers patient safety and violates the Pharmacy and Poisons Act (Cap 244).
It further warned that individuals or entities found involved in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of the falsified batch will face strict regulatory and legal consequences.
The PPB also urged healthcare providers and the public to source health products exclusively from licensed manufacturers, importers, and distributors to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines in circulation.
The Board, in collaboration with government investigative agencies, has already launched investigations and pledged to take decisive legal and regulatory action against those responsible for the counterfeit drug.
Kenyans are encouraged to report any suspected substandard or falsified medical products to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board through:
• The online portal: https://pv.pharmacyboardkenya.org/users/mpublic
• The USSD code: *271#
The Board reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring all pharmaceutical products in the country meet the required quality, safety, and efficacy standards.
