Panama health ministry warns of counterfeit cancer drugs sold on social media

Panama’s Health Ministry has warned about counterfeit cancer medicines being offered through social media, websites and other unauthorized sales channels.

Alex González, an adviser to the ministry’s senior office, said buying oncology medicines through those channels exposed patients to products that may have been altered or may contain substances different from those listed. Their quality, safety and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.

The warning followed the seizure by Panama’s Customs Directorate of a cancer medicine, specifically a monoclonal antibody. González urged the public not to buy such products outside authorized channels. He noted that cancer patients in Panama can receive care through the National Oncology Institute, which serves both insured and uninsured people.

The seizure has kept the National Directorate of Pharmacy and Drugs on alert. The agency is monitoring social media and websites promoting medicines without the required health registration. Officials recommended purchasing oncology medicines only from authorized pharmacies and with a prescription from a qualified doctor.

Authorities also urged consumers to check for a valid health registration and the relevant security seals. Because the actual composition of a counterfeit medicine may be unknown, taking it can cause adverse reactions or severe toxicity. Such effects could further endanger patients already affected by cancer or by the treatments they receive. The ministry advised people to consult a health professional with any questions about buying or using a pharmaceutical product.

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The Directorate of Customs seized a medicine used to treat cancer, specifically a monoclonal antibody. In light of this situation, we call on the public not to buy these products through unauthorized channels.