NAFDAC alerts on fake Postinor contraceptive pills circulating in Nigeria
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The Agency added that while Investigations of the source of the fake drug is still ongoing, it has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators 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.
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has notified the public that a fake Postinor, a popular brand of emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is in circulation in Nigeria.
NAFDAC issued the warning in a publication on its website on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the Society of Family Health (SFH), the MAH has also confirmed that its company did not import that the falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.
The Agency warned that some of the dangers of using the fake postinor include 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.
It also warned that some some of side effects of the fake postinor can include 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.
The Agency added that while Investigations of the source of the fake drug is still ongoing, it has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators 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.
It also urged distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers 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 authorized/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],” NAFDAC said.
It also added that it will upload a notice to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) on the presence of the fake postinor in Nigeria
NAFDAC also listed the noticeable difference between the fake and the genuine Postinor 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 Distnibuted in Nigeria instead of distributed in Nigeria
Product Details
The falsified Product details are as follows:
ORIGINAL PRODUCT
COUNTERFEIT PRODUCT (Type 1)
COUNTERFEIT PRODUCT (Type 2)
Product Name: Postinor 2
Batch No: T32458H
Mfg. Date: 02/2023
Exp. Date: 02/2027
NRN NO: 04-6985
Product Name: Postinor 2
Batch No: T36184B
Mfg. Date: 08/2024
Exp. Date: 08/2028
NRN NO: 04-6985
Product Name: Postinor 2
Batch No: 332
Mfg. Date: 03/2023
Exp. Date: 02/2027
NRN NO: 04-6985
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