Trabectedin (Yondelis) is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of specific types of soft tissue sarcomas (e.g., liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma) in patients who have previously received an anthracycline-containing treatment regimen. As a specialized anticancer drug, extra caution should be exercised during the purchasing process.
What Are the Purchase Channels for Trabectedin (Yondelis)?
Overseas Purchase
Patients may opt to consult and purchase the medication at hospital pharmacies or licensed pharmacies in countries/regions where trabectedin has been approved for marketing.
Since drug prices may be affected by factors such as regional differences and exchange rate fluctuations, patients are advised to make a budget and plan in advance prior to purchasing.
Purchase via Medical Service Institutions
Patients can consult domestic overseas medical service institutions that have partnerships with international pharmacies or pharmaceutical manufacturers.
These institutions typically provide legal import channels as well as professional consultation and guidance services.
Precautions for Purchasing Trabectedin (Yondelis)
Rigorous Medical Evaluation and Prescription Requirement
Prior to the administration of trabectedin, a comprehensive evaluation must be conducted by an oncologist to confirm that the patient’s condition is consistent with the drug’s indications.
Do not self-assess the condition or request the medication without physician supervision.
Verification of Drug Information and Packaging
Drug Name: Confirm that the product is designated as "Yondelis" or "trabectedin", with the active ingredient being trabectedin.
Manufacturer: Authentic products shall be manufactured by Baxter Oncology GmbH and owned by Janssen Products, LP (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson).
Dosage Form and Strength: It should be a white to off-white lyophilized powder, contained in single-dose vials with a strength of 1 mg per vial.
Approval Number and Batch Number: Check the outer packaging for a clearly printed batch number, expiry date, and approval number issued by drug regulatory authorities (e.g., FDA approval information).
Cold Chain Transportation and Storage Conditions
Trabectedin must be stored and transported under refrigerated conditions at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
Licensed channels will ensure cold chain integrity throughout the entire process.
Upon receiving the medication, inspect the status of ice packs or refrigerated containers in the package, and immediately store the drug in a refrigerator compartment in accordance with the instructions.
How to Identify Authentic Trabectedin (Yondelis)
Careful Inspection of Outer Packaging and Drug Characteristics
Packaging Quality: Authentic products feature exquisite printing, clear fonts, and uniform coloration. Be wary of products with shoddy packaging, typographical errors, or blurred labels.
Drug Appearance: The vial should contain intact white to off-white lyophilized blocks or powder. Suspect the product immediately if the powder shows abnormal coloration (e.g., dark yellow or brown), caking, foreign matter inside the vial, or vial cracks.
Anti-Counterfeiting Features: Check the packaging for official anti-counterfeiting labels, QR codes, or traceability codes, and verify their authenticity through official channels.
Verification Using Official Resources
Check Regulatory Authority Websites: Visit the official websites of the U.S. FDA or local drug regulatory authorities to inquire about the drug’s approval information and the manufacturer’s qualification credentials.
Contact the Manufacturer: Verify the authenticity and validity of the product batch number in your possession through the official contact information published by Johnson & Johnson.
