Counterfeit Postinor-2 Warning: NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to fake emergency contraceptives in circulation with serious health risks. Check packaging carefully

Counterfeit Postinor-2 Warning: NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to fake emergency contraceptives in circulation with serious health risks. Check packaging carefully.

Also read: NAFDAC alerts public to counterfeit Aflotin malaria tablet

Counterfeit Postinor-2 Warning has been issued by Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) following the discovery of falsified batches of the emergency contraceptive now circulating in the country.

In a public alert released Monday, NAFDAC warned that fake versions of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) were confirmed in the market after a report from the Society for Family Health—the marketing authorisation holder—revealed that the counterfeit batches were never officially imported.

“The font size on the fake PIN sticker is smaller, and spelling errors such as ‘Veify’ instead of ‘Verify’ and ‘Distnibuted’ instead of ‘Distributed’ were spotted,” the agency stated.

Postinor-2 is widely used as an emergency contraceptive pill, and the presence of falsified products raises grave public health concerns. NAFDAC identified discrepancies in two counterfeit types:

• Counterfeit Type 1: Batch T36184B, MFG August 2024, EXP August 2028
• Counterfeit Type 2:Batch 332, MFG March 2023, EXP February 2027
• Both falsely carry the original registration number 04-6985

The authentic batch, according to NAFDAC, is T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 and set to expire in February 2027.

The agency emphasized that the counterfeit versions could contain toxic substances, incorrect dosages or be produced in non-sterile environments increasing the risk of:

•  Ineffective contraception
•  Toxic side effects or allergic reactions
•  Missed chances for genuine emergency contraception
•  Long-term reproductive health complications
• In extreme cases, organ damage or death

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal. Their safety and efficacy cannot be guaranteed,” NAFDAC warned.

Consumers are advised to only purchase Postinor-2 from licensed pharmacies and check the PIN verification sticker on the packaging carefully. Suspected fakes should be reported immediately.

In response, all NAFDAC zonal and state offices have been instructed to begin active surveillance and mop-up operations targeting the identified fake batches.

Also read: NAFDAC, WHO Maturity Level 3 Achievement Boosts Nigeria’s Global Health Standing

This alert underscores the critical need for vigilance both by healthcare providers and the general public, in ensuring the safety of medicines and protecting public health.