The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a public alert regarding a counterfeit batch of the emergency contraceptive Postinor-2 circulating in Kenya. The fake batch, identified as Batch Number T34197R, falsely claims to be produced by Gedeon Richter Plc.
Postinor-2, containing Levonorgestrel 0.75mg tablets, is used to prevent pregnancy following unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The PPB discovered the falsified product during routine surveillance and confirmed its inauthenticity after comparing it with genuine Postinor-2 supplied by the manufacturer.
Key Differences Noted Between Genuine and Fake Postinor-2
- The counterfeit batch uses a different printing method for batch numbers compared to authentic products.
- The patient information leaflets in the fake packs contain multiple printing and typographical errors.
- Packaging seals differ: genuine packs feature a hot-melt closure, absent in the counterfeit versions.
- The packaging’s orange color on the fake product is noticeably more intense than on the original.
- Font variations were found on the logo beneath the authentication panel scratch area, differing from the genuine font.
The PPB warns that the counterfeit Postinor-2 may have incorrect or absent active ingredients, harmful contaminants, or undeclared substances, potentially rendering the medication ineffective or unsafe.
Consumers are urged to purchase medicines only from authorized dealers and to be vigilant for unusual packaging features that may indicate counterfeit products.
