The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a stern warning to Kenyans over counterfeit cancer medications circulating globally, cautioning that these falsified drugs contain no active ingredients and pose severe risks to patients.
In a statement released on 31 December 2025, the board revealed that fake versions of IBRANCE, a widely used breast cancer drug, have been identified in several countries, including Lebanon, Ivory Coast, Turkiye, Egypt, and Libya. Laboratory tests confirmed that the fraudulent pills offer zero therapeutic benefit, making them completely ineffective against cancer.
The counterfeit products falsely claim to be manufactured by Pfizer, but careful inspection and testing exposed their fraudulent nature. The PPB highlighted telltale signs of the fake drugs, including spelling errors on labels, poor-quality printing, unusual capsule colors such as bright orange, and security seals printed in black instead of the standard Pfizer design.
Dr. Ahmed I. Mohamed, the Board’s Acting CEO, emphasized the dangers: “These products are unsafe for use and pose a serious risk to patient safety and public health.”
While no counterfeit batches have been detected in Kenya to date, the board is taking proactive measures to prevent their entry. Hospitals, pharmacies, distributors, and the public are urged to report suspicious medicines immediately via the PPB’s *USSD code 271# or by calling 0795743049.
The board also reminded the public that purchasing medicines from unlicensed sellers is illegal and can have life-threatening consequences. Continuous monitoring of health products entering Kenya remains a top priority to protect citizens from dangerous counterfeit drugs.
The PPB’s alert serves as a crucial reminder of the growing threat of falsified medications and the importance of vigilance when sourcing prescription drugs, particularly for life-saving treatments such as cancer therapy. Patients and caregivers are advised to always verify the source and authenticity of medicines before use.