The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert on the circulation of falsified batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) emergency contraceptives in Nigeria.
In a statement published on its website, the agency said it received a report from the Society for Family Health (SFH), the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH), confirming that the counterfeit products were not imported by the company.
NAFDAC noted that the fake versions carry obvious errors when compared to the genuine product. These include a pin verification sticker printed in a smaller font and a spelling mistake showing “Veify” instead of “Verify.” The counterfeit packs also misspelled “distributed in Nigeria.”
The agency warned that the falsified products may contain harmful or substandard ingredients, incorrect dosages of levonorgestrel, or contaminants from unsafe manufacturing processes.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert on the circulation of falsified batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) emergency contraceptives in Nigeria.
In a statement published on its website, the agency said it received a report from the Society for Family Health (SFH), the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH), confirming that the counterfeit products were not imported by the company.
NAFDAC noted that the fake versions carry obvious errors when compared to the genuine product. These include a pin verification sticker printed in a smaller font and a spelling mistake showing “Veify” instead of “Verify.” The counterfeit packs also misspelled “distributed in Nigeria.”
The agency warned that the falsified products may contain harmful or substandard ingredients, incorrect dosages of levonorgestrel, or contaminants from unsafe manufacturing processes.
Such risks, it cautioned, could lead to contraceptive failure, toxic side effects, allergic reactions, organ damage, long-term reproductive health complications, or even 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 said.
It added that investigations into the source of the fake products are ongoing, while all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to intensify surveillance and mop up affected batches across the country.
NAFDAC also urged distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to remain vigilant, source medicines responsibly, and thoroughly check the authenticity and physical condition of products before sale or use
