The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), has issued a public warning regarding counterfeit Postinor-2 emergency contraceptive tablets circulating in Kenya.
The fake products bear Batch No. T34197R and falsely claim to be manufactured by Gedeon Richter Plc. These counterfeit pills were identified during routine post-marketing surveillance aimed at ensuring the safety of health products in the market.
Key Differences Between Genuine and Fake Postinor-2
- The batch number printing method on fake tablets differs from the authentic products.
- The patient information leaflet contains typographical and printing errors.
- Carton sealing on counterfeit products uses a different method than the hot-melt closure found on genuine packs.
- The orange color on the packaging is more intense on the fake versions.
- After scratching the authentication panel, the logo font on counterfeit products differs from the genuine ones.
Health Risks and Regulatory Actions
The PPB warns that these counterfeit tablets may contain incorrect amounts of the active ingredient Levonorgestrel, no active ingredient, or harmful undeclared substances. Use of such falsified medicines could lead to ineffective contraception and pose serious health hazards.
Healthcare providers are urged to carefully verify the authenticity of Postinor-2 stock before dispensing and to quarantine any suspicious products immediately.
The PPB, established under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, continues to conduct surveillance to protect public health by regulating access to safe and effective medicines.
