DRAP Warns About Fake Blood Cancer Medicines in Pakistan

The World Health Organization has alerted Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority about counterfeit blood cancer medicines, prompting DRAP to issue rapid warnings and ban affected batches from sale and use.

According to the alert, the fake products include Darzalex injections and Jakavi tablets, both used to treat blood cancers. DRAP said counterfeit batches of Darzalex 400 mg and 100 mg have been identified, along with counterfeit batches of Jakavi 15 mg and 10 mg tablets.

WHO said the falsified Darzalex batches were detected in the Maldives and Mexico, while the counterfeit Jakavi packaging carried the address of Novartis Pharma Switzerland. DRAP also said the counterfeit Darzalex packet used the address of Janssen-Cilag Belgium.

The authority warned that the medicines failed testing standards. It said the raw materials in the samples could not be verified, and foreign particles were found in one Darzalex sample. Officials said the use of counterfeit medicines can be life-threatening because their safety and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.

DRAP has banned the sale and use of the affected batches and urged the public and healthcare providers to avoid the identified products. The regulator said it will continue monitoring the market and act against falsified medicines.