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DCGI issues advisory on this fake Cancer Injection

September 6, 2023

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DCGI CDSCO Regulator Drugs Controller General India — DCGI

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Last Updated on October 6, 2024 by The Health Master

Fake Cancer Injection

In a recent development, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has issued a critical alert regarding a fake cancer injection, Adcetris injection, a vital medication prescribed for cancer treatment.

In a letter dated September 5, the DCGI has emphasized the seriousness of the situation, citing information from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding multiple falsified versions of Adcetris injection 50 mg (Brentuximab Vedotin).

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The Adcetris Medication and Its Importance

Adcetris is a pharmaceutical product produced by Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

This medication falls under the category of CD30-directed antibody-drug conjugates and plays a crucial role in the treatment of patients suffering from Hodgkin Lymphoma, especially after the failure of autologous stem cell transplant, as well as those with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Medicine Injection Vaccine — Picture: Pixabay

Global Alert on Fake Cancer Injection, Adcetris

The alarming revelation, made available, highlights the presence of a fake cancer injection, Adcetris in several countries, with India being one of the affected nations.

The DCGI has reported that these fraudulent products are predominantly found at the patient level and are frequently distributed through unregulated supply chains, primarily online.

Disturbingly, these falsified products have infiltrated both regulated and illicit supply chains, occasionally reaching patients directly.

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The Scale of the Problem

According to the DCGI, the WHO has identified at least 8 different batch numbers of these counterfeit versions currently in circulation.

This alarming discovery calls for immediate action and heightened vigilance within the healthcare community.

Key Recommendations from the DCGI

In response to this crisis, the DCGI has issued a series of crucial recommendations to safeguard patients and healthcare providers:

Prescription Vigilance: Doctors are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when prescribing Adcetris and to educate their patients about the risks associated with counterfeit medications.
Reporting Adverse Reactions: Both medical professionals and patients are urged to promptly report any adverse drug reactions (ADRs) they encounter while using Adcetris.
Source of Medication: Consumers are cautioned to exercise diligence and acquire Adcetris exclusively from authorized sources. It is imperative to ensure that proper purchase invoices are provided.
Regulatory Oversight: Regulatory officers have been instructed to maintain a strict vigilance over the movement, sale, distribution, and stock of Adcetris in the market. Stringent measures will be taken to ensure the authenticity of this critical medication.

The emergence of counterfeit Adcetris injections is a significant threat to the health and safety of cancer patients.

The DCGI’s alert serves as a vital call to action for healthcare professionals, patients, and regulatory authorities to work collaboratively to eradicate these fraudulent products from the market and ensure the availability of genuine, life-saving medications.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.