NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Against Fake Postinor With Spelling Errors
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians over the circulation of counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 emergency contraceptive pills.
In an alert numbered 027/2025, the agency said the Society of Family Health (SFH) reported the discovery of two types of fake Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) in the country.
NAFDAC explained that the counterfeit products can be identified by spelling errors and other irregularities. According to the agency, “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.”
The agency listed one of the fake products with batch number T36184B, manufactured in 08/2024 with expiry date 08/2028. The second fake carries batch number 332, manufactured in 03/2023 with expiry date 02/2027.
It clarified that the genuine Postinor-2 has batch number T32458H, manufactured in 02/2023 with expiry date 02/2027.
NAFDAC warned that the counterfeit products pose serious health risks. It stated, “Due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, they pose significant risks to individual health and public safety.
“The risks of administering falsified Postinor-2 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. Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death.”
The agency further cautioned that counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, stressing that safety and efficacy cannot be guaranteed. Nigerians were urged to obtain Postinor-2 only from verified pharmacies and licensed healthcare providers.
It added that investigations into the source of the fake products are ongoing, while zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to mop them up across the country.
“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 authorised suppliers and their authenticity carefully checked,” the agency said.
Consumers and healthcare professionals were encouraged to report suspected cases of counterfeit medicines to NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322, email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng, or through the Med-Safety application available for download on Android and iOS stores.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
