Avastin (bevacizumab): Counterfeit Product - FDA Issues Letters to 19 Medical Practices

The FDA is warning healthcare professionals and patients about a counterfeit version of Avastin 400mg/16mL which may have been purchased and used by some medical practices in the United States. The counterfeit version is labeled as Avastin, manufactured by Roche, and does not contain the medicine's active ingredient, bevacizumab, which may have resulted in patients not receiving needed therapy. Nineteen medical practices in the United States purchased unapproved cancer medicines from Quality Specialty Products (QSP), a foreign supplier that may also be known as Montana Health Care Solutions. Volunteer Distribution in Gainesboro, Tenn. is a distributor of QSP’s products.

WellStar did not purchase Avastin from the supplier mentioned above.  As the media has highlighted the recent multiple shortages of critical, life saving medications, WellStar has made significant efforts to reduce the impact on our patients. Major media stories have reported hospitals resorting to purchase medications from the secondary market, or "gray" suppliers, where purity may be compromised. WellStar pharmacies only purchase medications from an FDA approved wholesaler or directly from the manufacturer. Patient safety is our utmost importance.

The only FDA-approved version of Avastin for use in the United States is marketed by Genentech (a member company of Roche). The FDA-approved version does not include the Roche logo on the packaging or vials. FDA approved versions of these medicines are available in adequate supply to meet demand.