Kuda Pembere
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has issued an urgent public alert following the detection of unauthorised Goserelin Acetate (Zoladex) 10.8mg injections circulating on the local market through illegal supply channels.
In a circular dated January 27, 2026, MCAZ Director General Richard Rukwata said the product was not formally imported into Zimbabwe and may have been diverted from another market, raising serious concerns about its safety, quality, and effectiveness.
“The MCAZ has detected the circulation of unauthorised Goserelin Acetate (Zoladex) 10.8mg injections through unapproved channels,” he said. “Our records show that this product was not formally imported into Zimbabwe. The MCAZ cannot therefore ascertain the safety, quality and efficacy of this product”
According to the regulator, the unauthorised product can be identified by several distinguishing features, including packaging that contains both English and Afrikaans instructions, suggesting it was intended for another market. The approved Zimbabwean product carries instructions in English only, is packaged in blue-toned cartons, and bears a local registration sticker issued by MCAZ.
“The product packaging contains Afrikaans language, which strongly suggests it was intended for another market and has been illegally diverted into Zimbabwe,” Rukwata said.
Rukwata also noted differences in packaging quality and artwork placement, warning healthcare providers and patients to be vigilant when sourcing the drug, which is commonly used in the management of hormone-sensitive conditions such as prostate cancer and certain breast cancers.
As part of enforcement measures, the authority has instructed all licensed wholesalers, pharmacies, and public and private health facilities to immediately quarantine any suspected unauthorised Zoladex injections in their possession.
“The MCAZ instructs all approved wholesalers, licensed pharmacies, and public and private health facilities to immediately quarantine any units of the unapproved Zoladex injection described above,” the regulator’s Director General said, adding that the products must be submitted to the authority for safe disposal
Members of the public who may have already purchased the unauthorised injection have been advised to return it to the pharmacy where it was obtained.
