The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to counterfeited batches of Postinor-2 emergency contraceptive pills in circulation.
The alert, numbered 027/2025, said the Society of Family Health (SFH) reported the presence of two types of counterfeit Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) in the country.
NAFDAC said it identified key differences between genuine and counterfeit products: “The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible.”
The agency added that one of the two types of counterfeit products bears batch number T36184B with a manufacturing date of 08/2024 and expiry date of 08/2028.
The second counterfeit shows batch number 332, manufactured in 03/2023 with an expiry date of 02/2027.
The genuine product has batch number T32458H and was manufactured in 02/2023 with an expiry date of 02/2027.
NAFDAC warned of health risks associated with the counterfeit products, saying “Due to 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. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.
“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.”
NAFDAC added that, “Although investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all 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.
“Distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance in the supply chain to prevent the distribution, sale, and use of falsified products. All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: [email protected]
“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application available for download on Android and IOS stores or via e-mail on [email protected]”
