Fake Postinor-2 Pills Put Women’s Sexual Health at Risk, NAFDAC Warns
Fake Postinor-2 Pills Put Women’s Sexual Health at Risk, NAFDAC Warns
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Concern | Alert over fake Postinor-2 pills circulating in Nigeria that threaten women’s sexual and reproductive health. |
| Health Risks | Failure to prevent pregnancy, toxic exposure, side effects, delayed access to genuine care. |
| Spotting Fakes | Packaging errors (“Veify,” “Distnibuted”), batch number inconsistencies. |
| Recommendations | Buy only from licensed pharmacies; healthcare providers should educate patients; verify packaging before use. |
| Role of Me & You Pharma | Providing safe access to professional guidance and verified healthcare products. |
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over falsified batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg), one of the most commonly used emergency contraceptive pills in Nigeria. According to the Society for Family Health (SFH), these fake versions were not imported by the official company and pose a serious risk to women’s reproductive health.
Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated case. In recent months, NAFDAC has also had to issue recalls for other medicines, including Embacef (an antibiotic) and oxytocin (a hormone commonly used in labor and delivery). These repeated alerts highlight just how widespread the problem of falsified and substandard medicines has become—and why patients, pharmacists, and healthcare providers must stay vigilant.
Why This Matters: Sex, Safety, and Trust
Postinor-2 is commonly used by women after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (e.g., condom breakage) to prevent unintended pregnancy. The presence of fake versions in the market not only exposes women to unwanted pregnancies but also to toxic substances and harmful side effects that can affect long-term sexual and reproductive health.
How to Spot the Fake Pills
Key differences identified include:
Sticker Error: Fake packs have smaller font size and use “Veify” instead of “Verify.”
Spelling Mistake: Back of counterfeit packs say “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of “Distributed in Nigeria.”
Batch Variations:
Original: Batch No. T32458H, Exp. 02/2027.
Counterfeit Type 1: Batch No. T36184B, Exp. 08/2028.
Counterfeit Type 2: Batch No. 332, Exp. 02/2027.
What to Do If You Have Already Taken the Fake Postinor-2
If you suspect that you have ingested a falsified Postinor-2 pill, take the following urgent steps:
Seek Immediate Medical Help – Visit a licensed hospital or pharmacy as soon as possible for professional evaluation and possible emergency contraception alternatives.
Do Not Take More Pills – Avoid consuming additional doses in an attempt to “compensate,” as counterfeit drugs may contain harmful substances.
Monitor for Side Effects – Be alert for unusual symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, heavy bleeding, or allergic reactions. Report them promptly to a healthcare professional.
Get a Pregnancy Test – Since fake pills may not work, take a pregnancy test within 2–3 weeks of unprotected sex to confirm whether you need further care.
Report the Case – Notify NAFDAC (via their official hotline or Med-Safety app) about the counterfeit product and keep the packaging if possible.
Risks of Using Fake Emergency Contraceptives
Falsified Postinor-2, may:
Fail to prevent pregnancy after sex.
Contain dangerous contaminants that could harm reproductive organs.
Cause unpredictable side effects such as allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death.
Delay timely use of genuine emergency contraception, leading to loss of protection.
What Women and Healthcare Professionals Should Do
For Women: Always buy Postinor-2 only from licensed Pharmacies. Avoid roadside vendors or online sellers without verification.
For Couples: Ensure sexual health safety by confirming drug authenticity before use.
For Healthcare Providers: Educate patients about the risks of counterfeit emergency contraceptives and guide them to trusted sources.
Pharmacist’s Professional Advice: Safer Sex, Safer Health
As pharmacists, we stress that sex without safety is risky, not only for pregnancy but also for exposure to harmful counterfeit drugs. To protect your reproductive health:
Always verify your medicine packaging.
Do not self-medicate with products from unverified sources.
Seek pharmacist advice immediately if you suspect a counterfeit pill.
Remember: Your sexual health choices today affect your future fertility and overall wellbeing.
Me & You Pharma: Protecting Sexual and Reproductive Health
At Me & You Pharma, we help Nigerians access trusted pharmacists, safe medications, and verified health content. Whether it’s sexual health, contraception, or general medicine advice, we’re here to ensure your choices are safe, informed, and reliable.
Rosemary is a licensed Pharmacist and Medical Writer passionate about providing safe, effective medications and authoritative health information. She brings over three years of experience in both Pharmacy practice and medical writing to Me and You Pharma.
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