By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg), a popular emergency contraceptive, in the country.
In a public alert posted on its official Facebook page and obtained by Stonix News, NAFDAC confirmed that falsified Type 1 and Type 2 batches of the product are in circulation.
The agency stated that the Marketing Authorisation Holder, Society for Family Health Nigeria, had confirmed it did not import the affected batches.
According to NAFDAC, the counterfeit product can be identified through spelling and printing errors on the packaging.
On the fake pack, it was stated that the PIN verification sticker appears in a smaller font size and wrongly spells “Verify” as “Veify”.
Similarly, the phrase “Distributed in Nigeria” is misspelt as “Distnibuted in Nigeria”.
The agency warned that the falsified product poses serious health risks, including contraceptive failure, toxic contamination, unpredictable side effects, delayed access to genuine emergency contraception, and possible long-term reproductive health complications.
Counterfeit medicines may also contain harmful or unknown substances that can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to purchase Postinor-2 only from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.
It further appealed to healthcare professionals and consumers to report suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, by calling 0800-162-3322 or emailing sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
The statement reads: “Alert on confirmed counterfeit Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) in Nigeria
“NAFDAC notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and Type 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.
“A report was received from the Marketing Authorisation Holder Society for Family Health, Nigeria, confirming that they did not import the product batch in question.
“The falsified product details are as follows:
On the fake product, the PIN verification sticker has a smaller font size and misspells “Verify” as “Veify”. The original sticker uses a larger, clearer font.
“On the fake pack, the word “Distributed in Nigeria” is wrongly spelt as “Distnibuted in Nigeria”.
“Due to the possible presence of harmful or substandard ingredients, incorrect dosages of levonorgestrel, and unsafe manufacturing practices, falsified Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) poses serious risks to individual health and public safety.
“These risks include contraceptive failure, toxic contamination, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed access to genuine emergency contraception, and long-term reproductive health complications.
“Counterfeit medicines may also contain unknown substances that can cause allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death. Patients are strongly advised to obtain Postinor-2 only from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.
“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, call 0800-162-3322 or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.”
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