Pharmacy Board Warns Fake Postinor-2 Circulating in Kenya

• The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has warned against a fake batch of Postinor-2 tablets circulating in Kenya.
• The counterfeit products claim to be manufactured by Gedeon Richter Plc but have several discrepancies with genuine products.
• Healthcare professionals are urged to verify the authenticity of stocks before dispensing them to avoid potential harm to patients.
• The Pharmacy Board has asked the public to report any encounter with the falsified Postinor-2 batch T34197R.

These observations strongly indicate that the product is falsified and is not manufactured or released by Gedeon Richter

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has sounded a warning about a counterfeit batch of Postinor-2 (P2) tablets circulating in Kenya. The fake products, which claim to be manufactured by Gedeon Richter Plc, have been identified through a comparison with genuine Postinor-2 supplied by the company. Several discrepancies were found, including differences in batch printing methods, patient information leaflets, and carton sealing. The fake pack uses a different hot-melt closure method than genuine Gedeon Richter products, and the orange color used on the packaging is less intense. Additionally, the font of the logo on the authentication panel differs from that found on authentic products.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is responsible for regulating the pharmaceutical industry in Kenya. The board ensures that all medicines, including Postinor-2, meet strict quality and safety standards before they are released to the market. Gedeon Richter Plc, as a manufacturer of Postinor-2, must comply with these regulations and ensure that their products are genuine and not counterfeit. The regulatory framework in place aims to protect public health by preventing the circulation of substandard or falsified medicines.

The presence of fake Postinor-2 tablets in Kenya poses a significant risk to public health. These counterfeit products may contain incorrect amounts of the active ingredient, no active ingredient at all, or harmful contaminants, which can lead to ineffective treatment and potential harm to patients. Healthcare professionals must verify the authenticity of stocks before dispensing them to avoid contributing to this problem. The Pharmacy Board has urged healthcare professionals, procurement agencies, hospitals, distributors, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, and members of the public to report any encounter with the falsified Postinor-2 batch T34197R.

Healthcare professionals should verify the authenticity of Postinor-2 stocks before dispensing them to avoid potential harm to patients, and report any suspected falsified products to the Pharmacy Board.

Source: Original reporting via The Standard