The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a nationwide ‘rapid alert’ and placed an immediate ban on the sale and use of specific counterfeit batches of two prominent blood cancer medications, Darzalex injections and Jakavi tablets. This urgent directive follows a global warning from the World Health Organization (WHO) after laboratory testing revealed that these counterfeit products entirely lack the active pharmaceutical ingredients required for cancer treatment. Furthermore, unrelated foreign particles were detected in the fake Darzalex injection samples, making their use potentially life-threatening for patients.
Specific Affected Batches
Regarding the counterfeit medications, DRAP has identified specific batches that have been completely disowned by their original manufacturers. For Darzalex injections, which falsely bear the address of Janssen Cilag Belgium, the affected product lines include the 400 mg strength under Batch Number STV1K01 and the 100 mg strength under Batch Number MYS7381, both of which were previously traced in the Maldives and Mexico. Similarly, for Jakavi tablets, which falsely carry the label of Novartis Pharma Switzerland, the compromised versions include the 20 mg strength under Batch Number AVT50, the 15 mg strength under Batch Number FNR06, and the 10 mg strength under Batch Number SGL04.
Regulatory Action & Directives
In response to this critical safety threat, DRAP has officially instructed its regulatory force and all provincial drug control directorates to immediately increase market surveillance and confiscate the fake products. Furthermore, a strict public directive has been issued to all pharmacy owners, distributors, and the general public to completely halt the sale and consumption of these specific batches and to report their presence to the relevant health authorities immediately.
