Kenyans Put on Alert Over Fake P2 Circulating in the Country

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has warned Kenyans about a falsified batch of the emergency contraceptive Postinor-2, identified as batch number T34197R and falsely labelled as being manufactured by Gedeon Richter Plc.

The Board said the counterfeit product has several differences from genuine Postinor-2 supplies. These include the absence of the manufacturer’s distinctive hot-melt closure, differences in the way the batch number is printed, and changes to the design and content of the patient information leaflet. The carton also has different sealing, while the orange branding and the typography revealed after scratching the authentication panel do not match those of genuine products.

“These observations strongly indicate that the product is falsified and is not manufactured or released by Gedeon Richter,” the Board said.

The regulator warned that the falsified tablets could contain an incorrect amount of levonorgestrel, contain no active ingredient, or be contaminated with harmful substances. This could make the medicine ineffective in preventing pregnancy and expose users to potentially dangerous substances. The therapeutic reliability of the counterfeit product cannot be guaranteed, the Board said.

Healthcare professionals have been urged to carefully verify contraceptive stocks before dispensing them. Any suspected falsified products should be quarantined immediately to prevent further distribution.

Procurement agencies, hospitals, distributors, pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists have also been urged to report any suspected cases involving the falsified batch. Members of the public have been advised to remain cautious and check the authenticity of Postinor-2 before use.