The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria issued a public alert on August 25, 2025, regarding the circulation of falsified batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) emergency contraceptive pills. This warning follows a report from the Society for Family Health (SFH), the Marketing Authorization Holder, confirming that certain batches were not imported by them, indicating counterfeit products in the market. Below is a detailed overview of the situation, including how to identify fake Postinor-2, associated health risks, and recommended actions for consumers.
Details of the Falsified Postinor-2 Batches
NAFDAC has identified two types of counterfeit Postinor-2 batches currently in circulation, distinguished by specific batch numbers, manufacturing, and expiry dates. The agency provided the following details to help differentiate authentic from fake products:
- Authentic Postinor-2:
- Batch Number: T32458H
- Manufactured: February 2023
- Expires: February 2027
- NRN Number: 04-6985
- Counterfeit Type 1:
- Batch Number: T36184B
- Manufactured: August 2024
- Expires: August 2028
- NRN Number: 04-6985 (same as authentic)
- Counterfeit Type 2:
- Batch Number: 332
- Manufactured: March 2023
- Expires: February 2027
- NRN Number: 04-6985 (same as authentic)
Identifying Fake Postinor-2
NAFDAC highlighted visible differences to help consumers identify counterfeit products:
- Pin Verification Sticker: The fake product’s sticker has a smaller font size and contains a spelling error, reading “Veify” instead of “Verify.” The authentic sticker has larger, more legible text.
- Packaging Error: The back of the fake pack has a misspelling, “Distnibuted in Nigeria,” instead of “Distributed in Nigeria.”
- Packaging Design: Authentic Postinor-2, distributed by SFH, comes in a green packet with nine shiny golden ridges emanating from the top right corner, which can be felt by touch. Counterfeit versions, particularly older white packs, have dull golden ridges that lack this tactile feature. Consumers can also verify authenticity by using the Mobile Authentication Service Code on the pack’s scratch panel, sending it to 1393 for free confirmation.
Health Risks of Counterfeit Postinor-2
Falsified Postinor-2 poses significant health risks due to potential incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages, and non-sterile manufacturing conditions. NAFDAC outlined the following dangers:
- Failure to Prevent Pregnancy: Counterfeit pills may lack levonorgestrel, the active ingredient, rendering them ineffective and increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies.
- Toxic or Harmful Contaminants: Unknown substances in fake pills could cause allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death.
- Unpredictable Side Effects: Fake pills may lead to unexpected side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, abdominal pain, or dizziness.
- Delayed Access to Genuine Contraception: Using ineffective counterfeit products may delay timely access to proper emergency contraception, potentially leading to missed opportunities for pregnancy prevention.
- Long-Term Reproductive Health Impact: Prolonged use of substandard or harmful pills could affect reproductive health, with some users expressing concerns about infertility, though this is not conclusively documented.
NAFDAC emphasized that counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy unreliable. The agency has reported this issue to the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) to ensure global awareness.
Historical Context of Fake Postinor-2 in Nigeria
This is not the first instance of counterfeit Postinor-2 in Nigeria. In 2013, NAFDAC seized 150,000 doses of falsified Postinor-2 at Lagos International Airport, which contained no active pharmaceutical ingredient (levonorgestrel), rendering them completely ineffective. In 2023, NAFDAC reported three counterfeit batches detected within a single month, highlighting the ongoing challenge of fake emergency contraceptives in the Nigerian market. These recurring incidents underscore the persistent issue of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, driven by high demand for affordable contraceptives like Postinor-2, which costs between N800 and N3,500 in pharmacies.
Consumer Recommendations
NAFDAC urges the public to take the following steps to avoid counterfeit Postinor-2:
- Purchase from Reputable Sources: Buy Postinor-2 only from licensed pharmacies or established outlets like Jumia, Jiji, or Konga to avoid fake or expired products.
- Check Packaging Details: Verify the batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, and NRN number against the authentic details provided. Look for the green packet with shiny golden ridges and check for spelling errors like “Veify” or “Distnibuted.”
- Use Mobile Authentication: Scratch the panel on the pack and send the code to 1393 to confirm authenticity.
- Report Suspicious Products: Inform NAFDAC of any pharmacies or outlets selling suspected fake Postinor-2, particularly those in white packs or with incorrect labeling.
- Consult Healthcare Providers: Seek advice from doctors or pharmacists before using Postinor-2, especially if you have conditions like liver disease, hypertension, or diabetes, as these may reduce efficacy or increase risks.
Broader Implications
The circulation of fake Postinor-2 reflects a broader challenge in Nigeria and other African countries, where 24.2% of women of reproductive age have an unmet need for modern contraception, according to WHO estimates. The high demand for emergency contraceptives like Postinor-2, coupled with economic pressures and global inflation, has fueled the market for counterfeit drugs. Previous reports have also noted misuse, with some women using Postinor-2 more frequently than recommended, leading to side effects like heavy bleeding or fears of infertility. NAFDAC’s alert serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory oversight and consumer vigilance in combating counterfeit medicines, which pose a global health threat.
Conclusion
NAFDAC’s alert about falsified Postinor-2 underscores the critical need for consumers to verify the authenticity of emergency contraceptives to protect their health. By checking packaging details, purchasing from trusted sources, and using mobile authentication, individuals can reduce the risks associated with counterfeit pills. The agency’s proactive measures, including collaboration with global health organizations, aim to curb the spread of fake drugs, but public awareness and cooperation remain essential. For those seeking emergency contraception, consulting healthcare professionals and adhering to proper usage guidelines will ensure both safety and efficacy.