The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert over the circulation of counterfeit batches of Postinor-2, a widely used emergency contraceptive pill, in Nigeria.
The warning, released on Monday, came after the Society for Family Health (SFH), the marketing authorisation holder for Postinor-2, reported that it had not imported the suspicious consignments now found in circulation.
“The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation,” the agency stated.
NAFDAC explained that the counterfeit versions can be identified through packaging errors. The fake batch carries a pin verification sticker printed in smaller font with a misspelt word, “Veify,” instead of “Verify.” On the back of the pack, the text reads “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of the correct spelling.
Two falsified versions have been confirmed: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027. Both bear the registration number 04-6985.
According to the agency, counterfeit medicines pose grave risks to public health. In the case of Postinor-2, taking a falsified product could lead to contraceptive failure and unintended pregnancies. Counterfeit drugs, often manufactured under unsafe and unregulated conditions, may also contain toxic or ineffective substances, potentially causing harmful side effects, allergic reactions, long-term reproductive health complications, and in severe cases, organ failure or death.
To curb the spread, NAFDAC has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to step up surveillance nationwide and withdraw the fake products from circulation. Distributors, pharmacists, and healthcare workers have been urged to inspect supplies closely and avoid sourcing medicines from unverified vendors. Members of the public are strongly advised to purchase Postinor-2 only from licensed pharmacies or authorised healthcare providers.
NAFDAC also appealed to healthcare professionals and consumers to promptly report suspected counterfeit medicines or any adverse reactions related to Postinor-2.
The agency added that the notice would be uploaded to the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System to alert other countries and enhance international cooperation in combating falsified medicines.