The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a nationwide rapid alert over counterfeit versions of well-known medicines used in the treatment of blood cancer.
The alert was issued after a warning from the World Health Organization. DRAP has immediately banned the sale and use of the affected batches.
According to DRAP and WHO, counterfeit versions of Darzalex injections and Jakavi tablets are being sold under the names of well-known pharmaceutical companies.
Laboratory tests found that the medicines did not meet quality standards and did not contain the active ingredients required for cancer treatment. Unrelated particles were also found in samples of the Darzalex injection.
DRAP warned that the use of these counterfeit medicines could be life-threatening for patients.
The counterfeit Darzalex batches include the 400mg batch STV1K01 and the 100mg batch MYS7381. These batches were traced in the Maldives and Mexico. Their packaging carried the address of Janssen-Cilag Belgium, but the original company confirmed that the products were fake.
Counterfeit batches of Jakavi tablets include the 20mg batch AVT50, the 15mg batch FNR06 and the 10mg batch SGL04. The packaging carried the address of Novartis Pharma Switzerland, but Novartis also denied manufacturing or supplying the batches.
DRAP has directed its regulatory force and provincial drug control authorities to increase market surveillance.
Pharmacy owners, distributors and members of the public have also been advised to immediately inform the authorities if any of the affected batches are found in the market.
