The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Tuesday alerted Nigerians that fake Type 1 and 2 batches of Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) have flooded Nigeria markets.
NATIONAL POST reports that the alarm was raised by the agency, in a statement on its official website.
The alert was sequel to a report from the Society of Family Health (SFH), the MAH, which confirmed that their company did not import the said fake product batch.
In the statement by NAFDAC, the agency made clear distinctions between the original and the fake products.
According to the agency, the font size of the text on the pin verification sticker of the fake version appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify.
Also, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible compared to the fake version of the product.
“There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake distributed in Nigeria instead of distributed in Nigeria,” NAFDAC added.
Nigerians have now been warned of the potential risk involved in consuming the fake product.
Such harm could arise owing to the presence of “incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, posing significant risks to individual health and public safety.”
The agency noted, “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.”
In terms of unexpected side effects, NAFDAC said that 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,” the agency said.
As of the time of this report, NAFDAC said investigation was still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product.
However, its offices have been activated to ensure a mop-up of the fake products from markets across the country.
NAFDAC warned: “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 authorized/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.”
NATIONAL POST recalls that this comes days after the agency raised the alarm over the circulation of fake milk product in the country.
