Counterfeit medication is a serious public health issue. Fake versions of emergency contraceptives like Postinor-2 are particularly risky because they may not prevent pregnancy or could contain harmful ingredients. Protecting yourself involves carefully examining the product before use.
Verifying the Packaging and Labels
Scrutinize the packaging for any inconsistencies, as counterfeiters often make errors. Look for misspellings, dull colors, or blurry printing compared to genuine Postinor-2. Some authentic boxes also have tactile features like raised golden lines that fakes may lack. Ensure manufacturer details (Gedeon Richter is the authentic maker), batch numbers, and expiration dates are clearly printed and consistent.
Using Authentication Features
Many legitimate Postinor-2 products include security features. A common one is a scratch panel revealing a Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) code. In Nigeria, scratching the panel and texting the code to 38353 should yield a confirmation message from NAFDAC. If there's no message or the code is invalid, the product is likely fake. Older versions or those in other regions might have different scratch-and-reveal logos.
Comparing Authentic vs. Fake Postinor-2
| Feature | Authentic Postinor-2 | Fake Postinor-2 (based on recent alerts) |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging Color | Sharp, well-defined green | Faint, dull green |
| Text Printing | Clear, crisp font and large text | Blurry, smaller font |
| Spelling | Correct spelling of words like 'Verify' and 'Distributed' | Common misspellings like 'Veify' and 'Distnibuted' |
| Authenticity Feature | Working scratch panel for SMS verification | Non-functional or absent scratch panel, or incorrect text result |
| Tactile Texture | May feature golden, raised ridge lines on the box | Box may feel smooth with no raised texture |
| Pill Appearance | Smooth, round, and uniformly pressed | Chalky, uneven, and crumbles easily |
Inspecting the Pills Themselves
Always inspect the tablets inside. Authentic Postinor-2 contains two smooth, round, white pills. Counterfeit pills may appear chalky, uneven, discolored, or easily crumbled. Check if the blister pack looks tampered with or if the pills differ from previous purchases.
How to Ensure You Buy Genuine Medication
To minimize the risk of buying fake Postinor-2:
- Buy from a Licensed Pharmacy: Purchase only from reputable, licensed pharmacies or healthcare providers.
- Report Suspected Counterfeits: If you suspect a product is fake, stop using it and report it to your national drug regulatory body.
- Check for Registration Numbers: Look for a valid registration number from your national drug authority.
- Stay Informed: Monitor public health alerts from regulatory bodies.
What to Do If You've Taken a Fake Pill
If you've taken a suspected fake Postinor-2, stop using it immediately. Consult a healthcare provider for alternative emergency contraception and inform them about the fake pill. Report the incident to your drug regulatory body.
Conclusion
Identifying fake Postinor-2 is essential for your health. Look for misspellings, poor print quality, and use authentication codes like the MAS scratch panel. Always buy from licensed pharmacies and check the appearance of the pills. For more information on drug alerts, visit resources like the {Link: NAFDAC website https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/08/nafdac-alerts-nigerians-to-falsified-batches-of-postinor-2-in-circulation/}.
