The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Monday issued a public alert about counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) currently circulating in Nigeria.
The warning followed a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, which confirmed it had not imported the suspect batches.
Postinor-2 is an emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel. NAFDAC revealed clear labelling discrepancies between the genuine and falsified products.
According to the agency, the counterfeit packs feature smaller text on the PIN verification sticker, with the misspelt word “Veify” instead of “Verify”. On the back of the pack, the fake version reads “Distnibuted in Nigeria” rather than “Distributed in Nigeria”.
NAFDAC identified the genuine batch as T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 and expiring in February 2027, with registration number 04-6985. The falsified versions include:
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Type 1: Batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024, expiring in August 2028.
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Type 2: Batch 332, manufactured in March 2023, expiring in February 2027.
Both carried the registration number 04-6985.
The agency warned that counterfeit medicines may contain harmful substances, incorrect dosages, or unsafe ingredients, posing severe health risks. Possible dangers include contraceptive failure, toxic side effects, allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death.
NAFDAC stressed that patients must only purchase Postinor-2 from licensed pharmacies or healthcare providers. It has directed zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and withdraw the falsified products nationwide.
The agency urged consumers and healthcare workers to verify PIN stickers carefully and report suspected counterfeit medicines to protect public health.