The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has warned the public against a counterfeit batch of the popular Postinor-2 emergency contraceptive pills in circulation, stating that the product may pose serious health risks to users.

The regulator identified the counterfeit Postinor-2, containing 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel, as batch number T34197R. The product falsely claims to have been manufactured by Gedeon Richter.

“This batch may contain incorrect amounts of the active ingredient, no active ingredient at all, harmful contaminants, or undeclared substances,” said Dr Ahmed Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of the PPB.

Read: Inside Kenya’s struggles with counterfeit medicines

He warned that the falsified product might fail to work.

The PPB has identified several differences between the falsified product and the genuine Postinor-2 supplied by the manufacturer.

These include differences in batch printing and typographical errors in the patient information leaflet, as well as a different method of sealing the carton. Genuine Gedeon Richter packs use a hot-melt closure, while the counterfeit pack does not.

The orange colour used for the brand name and other parts of the packaging is also significantly more intense than on genuine packs. The logo revealed after scratching the authentication panel uses a different font.

The regulator said that these differences strongly indicate that batch T34197R is falsified and was not manufactured or released by Gedeon Richter.

Read: Kenya's leaky supply chain fuels rise in counterfeit drugs

This warning comes amid concerns over the circulation of counterfeit medical products, including emergency contraceptive pills.

Earlier, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki had expressed concern about fake P2 pills, warning that women who relied on counterfeit emergency contraceptives could face unintended pregnancies.

He also raised concerns about falsified HIV testing kits being circulated, emphasising the wider risks posed by counterfeit healthcare products.

The PPB has advised healthcare professionals to verify the authenticity of their stocks before dispensing medicines and to quarantine any suspected falsified products. Hospitals, distributors, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, and members of the public have been urged to report any encounter with batch T34197R.

Read: Why fake drugs remain an economic pain for Kenya

The Board has also urged those involved in the pharmaceutical supply chain to procure health products exclusively from licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers. It has warned that buying from unlicensed sources endangers patients.

Meanwhile, members of the public can report suspected counterfeit medicines through the PPB’s online reporting portal, the USSD code *271#, the mPvERS mobile application, or the regulator’s reporting contacts.

lowoko@ke.nationmedia.com