NAFDAC issues public alert on fake Postinor-2 pills
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has released a public warning regarding the distribution of counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) emergency contraceptive pills in Nigeria.NAFDAC stated that the Society for Family Health (SFH), the official distributor, verified that the impacted batches were not imported by the organization.
In a statement on its official website, the agency cautioned that counterfeit Type 1 and Type 2 batches of Postinor-2 are currently being circulated.
The agency elaborated that the fraudulent products can be recognized by distinct differences in their packaging.
“The text font on the pin verification sticker looks smaller and misplaces the wording 'Veify' instead of 'Verify' on the counterfeit; in contrast, the text font on the original’s sticker appears larger and more prominent,” indicated NAFDAC.
Additionally, the agency highlighted a typographical error on the fake packages, where “Distnibuted in Nigeria” is incorrectly printed instead of the accurate “Distributed in Nigeria.”
Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is an emergency contraception pill (ECP) that includes the active component levonorgestrel.
The agency offered specific details to assist consumers in distinguishing authentic Postinor-2 from the counterfeit types.
The genuine Postinor-2 has batch number T32458H, produced in February 2023, with a shelf life that extends until February 2027, and has NRN 04-6985.
Counterfeit Type 1 is marked with batch number T36184B, produced in August 2024, expiring in August 2028, but incorrectly shares the same NRN.
Counterfeit Type 2 features batch number 332, manufactured in March 2023, with an expiry date of February 2027, and also displays NRN 04-6985.
These distinguishing features are crucial for consumers and healthcare professionals to verify the legitimacy of Postinor-2 in the market.
NAFDAC warned that counterfeit products present serious health risks, as they may contain incorrect, inferior, or harmful components, incorrect doses of levonorgestrel, and are often produced under unsafe and unsterile conditions—which threaten both individual health and public safety.
“The risks associated with taking falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include ineffectiveness as a contraceptive, toxic or harmful impurities, unpredictable reactions, missed or delayed chances for actual emergency contraception, and potential long-term effects on reproductive health.
“Unforeseen side effects: Unknown chemicals may provoke allergic responses, organ damage, or even death,” cautioned the agency.
NAFDAC further warned that counterfeit medicines lack regulation, testing, and legality, providing no guarantees regarding their safety or efficacy.
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