Counterfeit vials of Avastin discovered in the United States

Doctors and hospitals around the country are being put on alert that a counterfeit version of Avastin has been found in the United States. It is unknown at this time whether any patients were given the fake version or if it has caused any harm. It is also unclear how much of the counterfeit drug was distributed. The product does not contain the active ingredients that are in Avastin. Genetech, the makers of Avastin, are still testing the counterfeit vials to see what they actually do contain but a spokeswoman for the pharmaceutical company asserts that the counterfeit product is not safe and and effective and should not be used. Healthcare providers are being asked to report any suspected counterfeit products to the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations. The counterfeit product was packaged in boxes that were labeled in French and had lot numbers that included letters while the authentic Avastin clearly indicates they are made by Genetech and are labeled in English with lot numbers that do not contain letters. Avastin is an approved treatment for  some forms of cancer but is also used off label to treat the wet form of age-related macular degeneration.*