The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a medical warning after dangerous counterfeit Darzalex injections were discovered in Maldives and Mexico. 

WHO headquarters in Geneva released the alert on Friday after fake batches of Darzalex (daratumumab), a cancer medication used to treat multiple myeloma and other blood cancers, were identified.

According to WHO, the incidents were reported by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) and Mexican authorities in May and June of last year.

The counterfeit drugs were found with unauthorized suppliers and in some healthcare facilities.

How to Spot the Fake Medicine:

Janssen, the legitimate manufacturer of Darzalex, has confirmed that the following batch numbers were not produced by them:

- MYS7381  

- STV1K01

MFDA reported that vials from batch STV1K01, found in Maldives, showed visible contamination.

Risks of the Counterfeit Drug:

WHO warns that these fake drugs pose a serious threat to patient safety. The quality, purity, and contents of these counterfeit products are unknown; they may contain no active ingredients or harmful substances.

Using them could result in infections, worsening of the illness, treatment failure, or even death, WHO cautioned.

WHO urges healthcare professionals and the public to be vigilant. Anyone possessing these batch numbers should avoid using the products, and those who have already used them should seek medical attention immediately. The organization also advises the public not to purchase medicines from unverified sellers and to report any suspicious products to MFDA or WHO at rapidalert@who.int.