The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) in Kenya has issued a warning about falsified Lucentis (Ranibizumab) 0.3mg injections that are circulating in the market. According to the PPB, the falsified product has batch numbers 18862110 and 18802112 and claims to be manufactured by Genentech. The board has identified several differences between the suspected falsified product and the genuine product supplied by Novartis Overseas Investment AG.
A comparison of the suspected falsified product with the genuine product revealed several discrepancies. The falsified product is labelled Lucentis, while the brand registered in Kenya is Patizra. Additionally, the label states 0.3 mg, while the registered product is labelled 10 mg/mL. The PPB also noted that the product is packed in a dark amber vial, while the genuine product is packed in a clear glass vial.
The PPB has warned that the falsified injection may contain incorrect amounts of the active ingredient, no active ingredient at all, harmful contaminants, or undeclared substances. This could lead to the product failing to provide the intended therapeutic effect. The board has advised healthcare professionals to verify the authenticity of their stocks before dispensing and quarantine any suspected falsified products.
The PPB has also urged hospitals, procurement agencies, distributors, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to report any encounter with the affected batches. Furthermore, the board has announced that one person has been arrested after being found in possession of the falsified product. Investigations are ongoing to establish the source of the product, the point of entry into Kenya, and the extent of its distribution.
Lucentis, also known as ranibizumab, is a 0.3mg injection used to treat eye diseases linked to diabetes. The medicine is used to treat swelling in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. This condition, known as diabetic macular edema (DME), is caused by leaking blood vessels linked to diabetes. It is also used to treat diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects blood vessels in the retina, in patients with DME.
The PPB has assured the public that it will continue to take firm regulatory and legal action against all persons found to be involved in the manufacture, importation, distribution, or supply of falsified health products and technologies. The board has urged all stakeholders to procure health products and technologies only from licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers.
The CEO of the PPB, Dr. Ahmed Mohamed, has emphasized the board's commitment to ensuring the safety and efficacy of health products in Kenya. The board's efforts aim to protect the public from harm caused by falsified or substandard health products. KEY_POINT: The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has warned of falsified Lucentis injections in circulation in Kenya. KEY_POINT: The falsified product has several differences from the genuine product, including labelling and packaging. KEY_POINT: The board has advised healthcare professionals to verify the authenticity of their stocks and quarantine any suspected falsified products.
