The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised a public alert on the circulation of confirmed counterfeit Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) in Nigeria. The alert, tagged Public Alert No. 027/2025, warns of falsified Type 1 and Type 2 batches of the emergency contraceptive in the market.
According to NAFDAC, the Marketing Authorisation Holder, Society for Family Health (SFH) Nigeria, confirmed that it did not import the implicated product batches. Distinguishing features of the fake product include a PIN verification sticker with smaller font size where “Verify” is misspelled as “Veify,” and packaging where “Distributed in Nigeria” is wrongly spelt as “Distnibuted in Nigeria.”
Risk to Public Health
NAFDAC warns that the counterfeit Postinor-2 poses serious health risks due to the likelihood of harmful or substandard ingredients, wrong dosages of levonorgestrel, and unsafe manufacturing practices. Potential dangers include:
- Contraceptive failure
- Toxic contamination and unpredictable side effects
- Delayed access to genuine emergency contraception
- Long-term reproductive health complications
- Allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death
Advisory to Consumers and Healthcare Providers
The agency strongly advises Nigerians to purchase Postinor-2 only from verified pharmacies and licensed healthcare providers.
Healthcare professionals and members of the public are urged to report any suspicion of falsified or substandard medicines and medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, via 0800-162-3322, or by email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
About NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is Nigeria’s foremost regulatory body responsible for safeguarding public health through the regulation and control of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, and chemicals.
Established in 1993 under Decree No. 15 (now Cap N1, LFN 2004), NAFDAC was created in response to the widespread problem of counterfeit and substandard drugs in Nigeria. Its mission is to ensure that only safe, effective, and high-quality products are available to consumers, while protecting the nation from the dangers posed by fake and unwholesome items.
The agency operates under the Federal Ministry of Health and has a nationwide presence, with offices, laboratories, and inspection facilities across all geopolitical zones.
Over the years, NAFDAC has gained both national and international recognition for its role in combating counterfeit medicines, enhancing drug regulation, and promoting consumer safety. Its efforts include public awareness campaigns, enforcement raids, product recalls, and collaborations with global health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
Through its commitment to transparency, innovation, and vigilance, NAFDAC continues to be a vital guardian of public health in Nigeria.
