The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of counterfeit batches of Postinor-2, a popular emergency contraceptive pill, in Nigeria.
The alert, issued on Monday, followed a report from the Society for Family Health (SFH), the marketing authorisation holder for Postinor-2, which confirmed that it did not import the suspicious consignments currently being sold in the country.
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“The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation” the statement said
According to NAFDAC, the falsified products can be identified through a number of errors on their packaging. On the fake batch, the pin verification sticker is printed in smaller font and carries a misspelt word, “Veify,” instead of “Verify.” On the back of the pack, the phrase “Distnibuted in Nigeria” appears in place of the correct spelling. The agency, also confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.
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The agency explained that counterfeit medicines pose serious risks to public health. In the case of Postinor-2, taking a falsified version may result in contraceptive failure, thereby increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy. Because counterfeit drugs are usually produced under unsafe and unregulated conditions, they may contain toxic or ineffective substances that can trigger unpredictable side effects, allergic reactions, or even long-term reproductive health damage. In extreme cases, NAFDAC warned, they could cause organ failure or death.
In response, the agency has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance across the country and to remove the fake products from circulation. Distributors, pharmacists, and healthcare workers have been urged to scrutinise their supplies carefully and to avoid buying from unverified sources. Members of the public are strongly advised to obtain Postinor-2 only from licensed pharmacies or authorised healthcare providers.
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NAFDAC further appealed to healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of counterfeit medicines or any adverse reactions linked to Postinor-2.
The agency added that the notice would be uploaded to the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System, in order to alert other countries and strengthen international cooperation in the fight against falsified medicines.
