The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the circulation of counterfeit batches (Type 1 and 2) of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) in Nigeria.
According to NAFDAC, a report was received from the Society for Family Health (SFH), the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH), confirming that their company did not import these product batches.
The agency highlighted several differences between the fake and original products, noting that the font size of the text on the pin verification of the counterfeit is smaller and contains a misspelling: “Veify” instead of “Verify”. In contrast, the original product has a larger and clearer font on the sticker.
NAFDAC also revealed another spelling error on the back of fake pack, which reads “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of “Distributed in Nigeria”, explaining that Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.
Product Details
The falsified Product details are as follows:
ORIGINAL PRODUCT
Product Name: Postinor 2
Batch No: T32458H
Mfg. Date: 02/2023
Exp. Date: 02/2027
NRN NO: 04-6985
COUNTERFEIT PRODUCT (Type 1)
Product Name: Postinor 2
Batch No: T36184B
Mfg. Date: 08/2024
Exp. Date: 08/2028
NRN NO: 04-6985
COUNTERFEIT PRODUCT (Type 2)
Product Name: Postinor 2
Batch No: 332
Mfg. Date: 03/2023
Exp. Date: 02/2027
NRN NO: 04-6985
The regulatory body warned that the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, pose significant risks to individual health and public safety.
“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact.”
On unexpected side effects, NAFDAC stated that unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.
The agency stressed: “Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.
“Although investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states.”
NAFDAC advised distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to remain vigilant in the supply chain to prevent the distribution, sale, and use of falsified products.
It said that all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers, emphasising that the products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
The regulatory body also urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicious sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to its nearest office, through 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC equally encouraged healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to its office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on its website www.nafdac.gov.ng.
It further advised that the report can be done via the Med- safety application available for download on Android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, adding that the notice will be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS).
