Pakistan’s drug regulator has issued a fresh DRAP medicine alert after identifying counterfeit and potentially harmful cancer medicines circulating in the market. The warning has raised serious concerns about patient safety and the integrity of pharmaceutical supply chains.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) confirmed that several batches of oncology drugs were found to be fake and unsafe for human use. Authorities have urged the public and healthcare providers to immediately avoid the identified products.
Counterfeit Cancer Medicines Identified
According to DRAP, two widely used cancer treatment medicines have been flagged as falsified. These include IMFINZI (Durvalumab) Injection 500mg/10ml and ENHERTU 100mg.
Investigations revealed that specific batches of these drugs were not manufactured by the original pharmaceutical companies. One batch of IMFINZI was confirmed as completely falsified, while a batch of ENHERTU was also identified as counterfeit.
Both medicines are used in cancer treatment, making the alert especially critical for patients undergoing therapy.
Health Risks and Safety Concerns
DRAP stated that the counterfeit batches pose serious health risks. Since these medicines were produced outside authorized manufacturing facilities, their safety, quality, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.
Officials warned that using such products could lead to severe health complications, especially for vulnerable patients.
Nationwide Action and Market Surveillance
Following the alert, DRAP has instructed its field teams and provincial drug control departments to launch inspection drives across the country. The goal is to trace and remove the fake medicines from pharmacies and distribution channels.
Authorities are also monitoring the supply chain to prevent further circulation of these harmful products.
Public Advisory Issued
As part of the DRAP medicine alert, citizens have been strongly advised not to use the identified batches under any circumstances. Patients are encouraged to consult their doctors and report any suspicious medicines to DRAP immediately.
Health experts stress that patients undergoing cancer treatment should only use verified medicines obtained through licensed pharmacies.
The regulator says it will continue strict monitoring to protect public health and prevent similar incidents in the future.
