The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed that a fake version of the emergency contraceptive pill, Postinor-2, is now in circulation in Nigeria.
In a statement posted on X on August 27, the agency warned healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of counterfeit or substandard medicines. Nigerians were also advised to buy the drug only from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.
But how do you really know if a drug is fake? Counterfeiters are getting smarter, so we also need to be vigilant. Here are some ways to check before you use any medicine:
1. Check for NAFDAC registration number
This is the first and most important step. Every legal drug in Nigeria must carry a NAFDAC number. If it does not have one, do not buy it.
2. Examine the packaging
Look closely at the pack. Poor printing, spelling errors, faded labels or irregular fonts are red flags. Genuine drugs usually have a batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date and manufacturer details. If these are missing, be suspicious.
3. Check the expiry date
Ensure the expiry date is clearly printed and not altered. Be extra careful if the date looks smudged, rubbed off, or inconsistent with the rest of the packaging.
4. Look for authentication features
Some medicines now come with a MAS code (Mobile Authentication Service). Scratch the panel, send the code via SMS to 38353, and you will receive a confirmation of authenticity. Also, check for holograms or seals that look fake.
5. Observe the physical characteristics
If the colour, taste, smell or texture of the drug seems different from what you know, it may be counterfeit. Broken or irregularly shaped tablets are another warning sign.
6. Watch out for unusual side effects
If the medicine is not working as expected or it causes strange reactions, stop taking it immediately and report to a pharmacist or directly to NAFDAC.
Counterfeit drugs are dangerous and can cause serious harm. Always buy your medicines from trusted pharmacies, double-check the details on the pack, and report any suspicion to the authorities. Staying alert could save your life.