The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of counterfeit batches of the cancer drug Darzalex being detected in the Maldives and Mexico.

In a statement issued on Friday, WHO said the counterfeit products involve batch numbers MYS7381 and STV1K01, which are not genuine.

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has confirmed that Darzalex injections with batch number STV1K01 are available in the Maldives.

WHO said the counterfeit products were distributed by unauthorised manufacturers using falsified labels and packaging. The health effects of the fake injections have not yet been fully determined.

However, WHO warned that the use of counterfeit injections has caused infections in some patients, posing a serious risk to public health.