Tinotenda Hove -The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has issued a strong warning to health institutions and the public over the circulation of unauthorised Goserelin Acetate (Zoladex) 10.8 mg injections being sold through illegal channels in the country.

In Circular No. 4 of 2026 dated 27 January, MCAZ Director General Richard Rukwata said the product was not approved for use in Zimbabwe and appears to have been diverted from another market.

“The packaging includes Afrikaans, which strongly suggests that the product was intended for a different market and was illegally brought into Zimbabwe,” said Rukwata.
He stressed that MCAZ cannot guarantee the safety, quality or effectiveness of the product since it was not officially imported or registered in the country.

According to Rukwata, the legally registered medicine in Zimbabwe is Zoladex LA 10.8 mg, which contains Goserelin 10.8 mg as the active ingredient. However, the unauthorised version is labelled Zoladex 10,8 mg, despite listing the same active ingredient.

“There are clear and noticeable differences between the registered and unregistered products,” he said.

The approved Zoladex product carries instructions written only in English and comes in a blue-coloured carton. In contrast, the unauthorised version has instructions in both English and Afrikaans and is packaged in purple shades.

Another key difference is the placement of the wording “SafeSystem Syringe.” On the registered product, it appears in the top right-hand corner of the carton, while on the unauthorised version it is positioned on the left-hand side.

Rukwata also noted that the registered medicine bears a Zimbabwean registration sticker number 2016/9.5.2/5273 PP and lists Sky Pharmaceuticals (P/L) as the approved distributor. The unauthorised product, however, carries South African scheduling details (S4) and a South African registration number 30/21.10/0100.

“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) 10.8 mg injections,” Rukwata said.
He emphasised that only medicines registered and approved by MCAZ should be used to ensure patient safety and treatment effectiveness.

“The MCAZ instructs all approved wholesalers, licensed pharmacies, and public and private health facilities to immediately quarantine any units of the unapproved Zoladex injection in their possession. These must be submitted to MCAZ for safe disposal,” he said.

Members of the public who may have bought the unauthorised injection have also been advised to return it to the pharmacy where it was purchased.