Parker Waichman LLP

FDA warns of counterfeit Avastin distributed by New York company

Federal health officials have issued another warning about counterfeits of the cancer drug Avastin that have been distributed in the U.S. This is the third warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration in the last year about the presence of counterfeit Avastin that has been sold into the U.S. According to an AP report […]

avastin-warning-by-fdaFederal health officials have issued another warning about counterfeits of the cancer drug Avastin that have been distributed in the U.S.

This is the third warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration in the last year about the presence of counterfeit Avastin that has been sold into the U.S. According to an AP report this week, the FDA announced on Tuesday that a New York company is distributing the Turkish form of the popular prescription drug treatment of several cancers. In Turkey, Avastin is marketed as Altuzan and that has not been approved by the FDA for use in the U.S.

At least one batch of the counterfeit Avastin sold by the New York company, Pharmalogical, does not contain the Active Ingredient found normally in the approved forms of the drug available in the U.S. Pharmalogical also does business under several other names, including Medical Device King, which is responsible for shipping the bogus Avastin to physicians here in the U.S.

The agency has not identified the medical practices or physicians who may have purchased Altuzan instead of Avastin. The FDA is warning that drugs marked Altuzan and the Lot numbers B6022B01 and B6024B01 may be counterfeit. The FDA said that doctors should stop using all products from either Medical Device King, Pharmalogical, or Taranis Medical, another name Pharmalogical does business as.

Avastin is a popular injection drug used in the treatment of colon, kidney, lung, and brain cancer. A vial of the drug can cost upwards of $2,800 so the demand for inexpensive forms of the drug have apparently risen. There is no generic form of the Roche Holdings AG drug so some physicians are apparently seeking counterfeit forms of it, believing that just because the FDA hasn’t reviewed it for safety means it’s dangerous.

This is the third warning concerning counterfeit Avastin, specifically, in the last year from the FDA and the market for counterfeit drugs continues to grow as the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs increases. Physicians should be wary of any drugs that are selling markedly lower than the normal price. The FDA said in its warning: “Deep discounts may be offered because the product is stolen, counterfeit, substandard, or unapproved.”

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I want copy for court cases for vaccines injuries . My little girl have signs of GBS
Wael Jaber
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I just wanted to say thank you. My nurse,Joanne is always making sure I'm good and my attorneys at Parker/Waichman are extremely thorough and understanding. So compassionate. Thank you.
Jezebel Gallardo
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Great people great experience 5star
Renee Stumpf
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038