NAFDAC raises alarm over fake postinor-2 pills in Nigerian market

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning about the circulation of falsified batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg), a widely used emergency contraceptive pill.

In a statement released on Monday, the agency revealed that the counterfeit products labeled as Type 1 and Type 2 were discovered after the authorised importer, Society for Family Health (SFH), confirmed it had no record of bringing those consignments into Nigeria.

According to NAFDAC, the fake packs carried noticeable errors such as a misspelt verification sticker reading “Veify” instead of “Verify” and the phrase “Distributed in Nigeria” printed incorrectly on the back. The genuine packs use clearer fonts and the correct spelling.

It said, “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 noticeable difference was found to be as follows: 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. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake ‘Distributed in Nigeria’ instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

The agency identified the falsified products as: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), Batch T36184B, with a manufacturing date of August 2024 and expiry date of August 2028. Counterfeit Product (Type 2), Batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 and expiring in February 2027. Both carry the registration number 04-6985.

NAFDAC warned that the fake pills may contain the wrong ingredients, unsafe dosages of levonorgestrel, or have been made under poor conditions, all of which can endanger users. Risks include contraceptive failure, harmful side effects, allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death.

The agency reminded the public that counterfeit medicines are unregulated and unsafe, urging people to buy Postinor-2 only from licensed pharmacies or healthcare providers.

It added that investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the products, while officials across the country have been directed to monitor, identify, and remove the fake batches.

NAFDAC also advised consumers and healthcare workers to check PIN stickers carefully, report suspicious products, and ensure medicines are purchased from trusted sources.