The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has warned that unauthorised Goserelin Acetate (Zoladex) 10.8 mg injections are being sold through unapproved channels in the country.
In Circular No. 4 of 2026, dated 27 January and addressed to all licensed pharmacies, wholesalers, public and private clinics and hospitals, as well as consumers, MCAZ Director General Richard Rukwata said the packaging includes Afrikaans, strongly suggesting the product was meant for another market and was illegally diverted into Zimbabwe.
He said MCAZ cannot guarantee the safety, quality, or effectiveness of the product because it was not officially imported into the country.
Rukwata said the registered product in Zimbabwe is called Zoladex LA 10.8 mg, with Goserelin 10.8 mg as the active ingredient. The unauthorised product is labelled Zoladex 10,8 mg, although it also lists Goserelin 10.8 mg as the active ingredient.
There are also clear differences in the packaging. The registered Zoladex has instructions written in English only and comes in a blue-coloured carton. The unauthorised version has instructions in both English and Afrikaans and is packaged in shades of purple.
In addition, the wording “SafeSystem Syringe” appears in the top right-hand corner of the registered product’s carton, while on the unauthorised product, it appears on the left-hand side.
The registered Zoladex also carries a sticker showing the Zimbabwean registration number (2016/9.5.2/5273 PP) and the approved distributor, Sky Pharmaceuticals (P/L).
In contrast, the unauthorised product carries South African scheduling details (S4) and a South African registration number (30/21.10/0100). Added Rukwata:
“The MCAZ is investigating the source of this product and advises healthcare providers, patients, and the public to be cautious when purchasing or using Goserelin Acetate (Zoladex) 10.8mg injections.
“Only medicines registered and approved by MCAZ should be used to ensure safety, quality, and effectiveness in the treatment of all conditions.
“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 that are in their possession. These quarantined units must then be submitted to MCAZ for safe disposal.
“Members of the public who may have purchased this unauthorised injection are advised to return it to the pharmacy where it was obtained.”
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