The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana, confirmed the detection of falsified Sustanon 250 mg/ml Injection (Testosterone Ester) at a retail pharmacy in Accra. The product, a testosterone ester indicated for testosterone replacement therapy in males with hypogonadism, a condition in which the body does not produce sufficient testosterone, raises significant public health concerns.

According to the Authority, surveillance and investigations revealed that the falsified product, bearing batch number E0ZB1B, had been deliberately designed to mimic a genuine batch manufactured and distributed in Turkey. Despite the close resemblance, detailed examination exposed notable differences in both the primary and secondary packaging.

The FDA indicated that the falsified product could be identified by the absence of the colour ring coding on the ampoule, spelling inconsistencies in the presentation of the batch number and expiry date, the lack of the specified folding box design, as well as variations in the adhesive label when compared to the authentic product.

The Authority further warned that the use of such falsified medical products poses serious health risks. These include the possibility of substandard or no active pharmaceutical ingredients, which may render treatment ineffective, as well as exposure to unknown chemical substances that could result in adverse drug reactions such as allergic responses, systemic toxicity, and other severe health complications. Additionally, the compromised nature of injectable products increases the risk of infections and other related harm.

In response, the FDA has intensified its market surveillance activities aimed at identifying and removing falsified products from circulation, while taking appropriate regulatory action against individuals and institutions involved in their distribution. Facilities found complicit have been sanctioned accordingly, as part of broader efforts to safeguard public health. The Authority also noted that public education initiatives are ongoing to raise awareness about the dangers associated with substandard and falsified medical products.

The public has therefore been advised to remain vigilant by purchasing medicines only from authorised healthcare outlets, carefully examining product packaging for any irregularities, and promptly reporting any suspected falsified products to the nearest health facility or FDA offices.