Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has ordered the immediate quarantine and withdrawal of unauthorised Goserelin Acetate (Zoladex) 10.8mg injections after the product was detected circulating on the local market through unapproved channels.
Goserelin acetate 10.8 mg is an extended-release injection administered as a subcutaneous implant every 12 weeks to manage advanced prostate cancer that is hormone-dependent and has not been treated with surgical removal of the testicles.
In Circular No. 4 of 2026 dated 27 January, MCAZ said the injections were not formally imported into Zimbabwe, making it impossible for the regulator to verify their safety, quality and efficacy.
The authority said the packaging contains Afrikaans language, indicating the product was intended for another market and illegally diverted into the country.
The authority’s director-general, Mr Richard Rukwata, said the use of unregistered medicines poses serious risks to patients.
“Only medicines registered and approved by MCAZ should be used to ensure safety, quality and effectiveness in the treatment of all conditions,” he said.
The regulator outlined key differences between the approved and unauthorised products, including inferior packaging quality, purple-coloured cartons, bilingual English and Afrikaans instructions, and the presence of South African registration and scheduling details instead of Zimbabwean registration information.
Mr Rukwata has instructed all licensed pharmacies, wholesalers and public and private health facilities to immediately quarantine any units of the unapproved Zoladex injection in their possession and submit them to the authority for safe disposal.
Members of the public who may have purchased the medicine have been advised to return it to the pharmacy of purchase.
Mr Rukwata said investigations were underway to establish the source of the unauthorised product as it moves to curb the circulation of illegally imported medicines on the market.
