Press room ... 2001 archive

Beware of Counterfeit Serostim and Neupogen

May 21, 2001

San Francisco—Recently there have been reports of two counterfeit drug products. One is a counterfeit human growth hormone (rHGH, Serostim) and the other is counterfeit filgrastim (Neupogen). People with HIV commonly use both of these products. Growth hormone is used to treat HIV-associated wasting disease and is now being explored as a potential treatment of fat accumulation due to lipodystrophy syndrome(s). Filgrastim is used to raise neutrophils, a type of white blood cells, which are important in protecting the body from infections.

The counterfeit rHGH carries a lot number MNH605A. Any product that has this lot number should be considered counterfeit and should not be used. The product should be returned to the pharmacy for a replacement. The FDA reports that the current counterfeit product contains only 1/6 of the dose of rHGH. Previous reports of counterfeit rHGH revealed the old lot number to contain human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) instead of rHGH. HCG has some anabolic affects, and is coincidentally being researched for its anti-HIV and anti-KS potentials. That product is still be analyzed for evidence of any other contaminants. For more information on counterfeit rHGH, you can call Serono, the manufacturers of rHGH, at 1-888-275-7376.

The counterfeit filgrastim has a lot number of P000948 or a lot number of P000890 and an expiration date of 12/02. Furthermore the patient and physician packet insert is on regular stock paper rather than on thin, lightweight paper. More information on counterfeit filgrastim can be obtained by calling Amgen, the manufacturers of filgrastim, at 1-800-772-6436 or through their website at http://www.amgen.com/corporate/AmgenNews.html.

If you suspect that you have counterfeit product, return it to the pharmacy where you purchased it to exchange it for viable product.