The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning after counterfeit batches of the cancer medicine Darzalexwere detected in the Maldives.

In a statement, the WHO said it had received reports of falsified Darzalex injections being found on the Maldivian market. The organisation warned that the circulation of counterfeit injections poses a serious risk to patients' health.

WHO added that the fake injections may not contain the correct active ingredients, meaning patients may not receive the intended treatment. Their use could also lead to additional health complications.

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) is investigating the matter and has advised pharmacies and hospitals to verify the batch numbers of all Darzalex injections in their possession. Healthcare professionals have also been urged to carefully inspect the packaging and labelling before administering the medicine to patients.

Authorities are working to prevent further counterfeit batches from entering the country and to remove any affected products already identified on the market.

The WHO has urged the public to obtain medicines only from authorised and reputable suppliers. It also noted that counterfeit Darzalex injections have been detected in Mexico as well as the Maldives.

Darzalex is used to treat multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells.