Pharmacy Board Warns Against Falsified Lucentis Injection in Kenya

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board in Kenya has issued a warning against a falsified Lucentis (Ranibizumab) 0.3mg injection circulating in the Kenyan market. The counterfeit products bear batch numbers 18862110 and 18802112 and falsely claim to be manufactured by Genentech. The discrepancy was identified when the board compared the suspected product with the genuine one supplied by Novartis Overseas Investment AG.

Key differences include the labeling (Lucentis vs Patizra), dosage (0.3mg vs 10mg/mL), packaging (dark amber vial vs clear glass vial), and the batch, manufacturing, and expiry dates, which do not align with the genuine product. Dr Ahmed Mohamed, the CEO of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, emphasized that the falsified injection may contain incorrect quantities of the active ingredient, no active ingredient, harmful contaminants, or undeclared substances, potentially leading to adverse effects for patients.

Healthcare providers are urged to verify the authenticity of medicines before dispensing them, and any suspected products should be quarantined and not used. Those encountering the counterfeit Lucentis injections by batch numbers 18862110 and 18802112 are advised to report it to the relevant authorities. The board has also urged stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain to procure health products only from licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers, and maintain proper procurement and supply records.

The board warns that procuring medicines from unlicensed sources puts patients at risk and violates the Pharmacy and Poisons Act. Investigations into the falsified product have led to the arrest of one individual found in possession of the suspected medicine. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the source, entry point, and extent of distribution of the product within Kenya.