The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a public alert on the circulation of falsified batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) emergency contraceptive pills in Nigeria.

According to NAFDAC, the Society for Family Health (SFH), the authorized distributor, confirmed that the affected batches were not imported by the company.

In a statement on its website, the agency warned that falsified Type 1 and Type 2 batches of Postinor-2 are currently in circulation.

The agency explained that the fake products can be identified through noticeable differences in packaging.

“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,” NAFDAC stated.

The agency further pointed out a spelling error on the counterfeit packs, where “Distnibuted in Nigeria” is wrongly printed instead of the correct “Distributed in Nigeria.”

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) that contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

The agency provided clear details to help consumers identify authentic Postinor-2 and spot the fake versions.

The genuine Postinor-2 has batch number T32458H, manufactured in February 2023, with an expiry date of February 2027, and carries NRN 04-6985.

Counterfeit Type 1 is labeled with batch number T36184B, manufactured in August 2024, expiring in August 2028, but falsely bears the same NRN.

Counterfeit Type 2 carries batch number 332, manufactured in March 2023, with an expiry date of February 2027, also marked with NRN 04-6985.

These identifiers are vital for consumers and healthcare providers to confirm the authenticity of Postinor-2 in the market.

NAFDAC warned that falsified products pose grave health risks, as they may contain incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper doses of levonorgestrel, and are often produced under unsafe, non-sterile conditions—endangering both 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,” the agency warned.

NAFDAC further cautioned that counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, with no assurance of their safety or effectiveness.