The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians about the circulation of fake batches of Postinor-2, an emergency contraceptive pill, across the country.
In a statement on Monday, NAFDAC revealed that two falsified versions of the drug have been discovered. The fake products include Type 1, Batch T36184B, reportedly manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028, and Type 2, Batch 332, allegedly produced in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027. Both carry the registration number 04-6985.
According to the agency, the counterfeit packs are easy to identify because they contain spelling errors and poor printing. The verification sticker on the fake pills shows “Veify” instead of “Verify,” while the back of the pack wrongly reads “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of “Distributed in Nigeria.” NAFDAC noted that the genuine Postinor-2 has clearer fonts, correct spellings, and a more visible verification sticker.
NAFDAC warned that using these counterfeit pills could pose serious health risks. “The fake drugs may contain harmful ingredients, the wrong amount of active substance, or have been produced in unsafe conditions,” the agency stated. The risks include contraceptive failure, toxic side effects, reproductive health complications, organ damage, and even death.
The agency advised consumers to buy Postinor-2 only from licensed pharmacies or healthcare providers and to always check the PIN verification sticker for authenticity. It also urged the public and healthcare workers to report any suspicious products.
NAFDAC said investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the fake drugs and has directed its officers nationwide to remove the falsified products from circulation.
