- Safiu Kehinde
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over a fake Postinor 2 currently in circulation in Nigeria.
NAFDAC, in a public alert issued on Tuesday, notified Nigerians of the falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) currently circulation.
According to the agency, the Society of Family Health (SFH) had in a report confirmed that their company did not import the product batch.
NAFDAC disclosed the noticeable differences found on the original product and the counterfeit version.
“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.” the agency stated.
In a further clarification, NAFDAC disclosed that the original Postinor 2 is registered with the Batch No: T32458H, Mfg. Date: 02/2023, Exp. Date: 02/2027, and NRN NO: 04-6985.
On the other hand, the two counterfeit brands contained Batch No: T36184B and 332; Mfg. Date: 08/2024 and 03/2023; Exp. Date: 08/2028 and 02/2027; with both products having NRN NO: 04-6985.
On the risk implications, NAFDAC warned of potential presence of harmful and substandard ingredients which may cause failure of contraceptive effect, harmful contamination and unpredictable side effects.
“Due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.
“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.
“Unexpected side effects: 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 statement partly read.
NAFDAC also urged distrubtors and health professionals to exercise caution and vigilance while noting that investigation is still ongoing on the source of the falsified product.
“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed 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.
“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.
“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: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
“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 pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng”
“Furthermore, note that this notice will be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS).” The statement read further.