According to the World Health Organization, sham drugs are the world’s most lucrative counterfeit goods, with a global market worth roughly $200bn, and Africa accounts for around 42% of the world’s cases. Fake medicines include falsified, unlicensed, falsely packaged, stolen, and substandard medical products. Falsified medicines might contain ingredients, including active ingredients, which are of bad quality or in the wrong dose -either too high or too low.
Postinor-2 is an emergency contraceptive only. Postinor-2 is not intended as a regular method of contraception. It is used to prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It is estimated that Postinor-2 will prevent 85% of expected pregnancies, 95% of expected pregnancies will be prevented if taken within the first 24 hours, declining to 58% if taken between 48 hours and 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. It is not known whether Postinor-2 is effective if taken more than 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. A fake Postinor 2 pill side effect can have far-reaching health consequences.
How To Spot Fake Postinor 2
In Africa, 24.2% of women of reproductive age have an unmet need for modern contraception, as per the WHO estimates. Hence, the rising demand for contraceptives to avoid unintended pregnancies, along with rising government initiatives, is expected to drive the market in the forecast period. However, fraudsters and counterfeiters have taken advantage of these to flood the market with fake products and placebos containing no active ingredients. The recent high number of unwanted pregnancies by women who claim to have used emergency pills has been linked to the large quantity of substandard Postinor-2 currently being sold illegally in drug shops, clinics, and pharmacies.
To ensure that you are taking a genuine Postinor 2 pill, here are some tips to spot fake ones:
- Check the packaging: The packaging of genuine Postinor 2 pills should be sealed and have a lot number and expiry date printed on it. If the packaging is torn or the printing is blurry, it may be a fake.
Features Of Genuine Piostinor 2 Packaging
- The secondary pack has 9 Golden ridges emanating from the top right corner of the box, which can be felt with a touch.
- The space in the circular ring on the blister pack is clear without any powder deposits.
- The information leaflet is made out of soft paper material
Features Of Fake Piostinor 2 Packaging
- Some versions of counterfeit have ridges that can be felt, while the ridges of some cannot be felt by touch
- The circular ring on the blister pack appears misty, possibly due to deposits of powder during the packaging
- The information leaflet is made out of slightly hard paper material relative to the one in the genuine product
- Verify the manufacturer: Postinor 2 is manufactured by two companies, Gedeon Richter and HRA Pharma and distributed Society for Family Health. Check the manufacturer of the pill and verify that it is one of these two companies. If it is not, it may be a fake.
- Look for the logo: The Postinor 2 pill should have the manufacturer’s logo on it. Ensure that the logo is clear and properly printed.
- Check the pill color: Genuine Postinor 2 pills are white and oblong in shape. If the color of the pill is different, it may be a fake.
- Seek professional advice: If you have any doubts about the authenticity of the pill, seek advice from a healthcare professional or pharmacist. They will be able to help you determine if the pill is genuine.
Taking a fake Postinor 2 pill can have serious health implications. Original Postinor 2 emergency contraceptive pill contains levonorgestrel. If a fake pill does not contain levonorgestrel or contains a different, potentially harmful substance, it may not be effective in preventing pregnancy and could cause harm to the person taking it.
Some possible implications of taking a fake Postinor 2 pill include:
- Failure to prevent pregnancy: If the fake pill does not contain levonorgestrel, it will not be effective in preventing pregnancy. This can lead to unwanted pregnancies and other related complications.
- Harmful side effects: A fake Postinor 2 pill may contain harmful substances that can cause adverse reactions or side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, headaches, abdominal pain, and dizziness.
- Risk of overdose: If the fake pill contains more levonorgestrel than the recommended dose, it can cause an overdose, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Delay in seeking proper medical attention: If a person takes a fake Postinor 2 pill and experiences adverse effects, they may delay seeking proper medical attention because they believe they have taken the correct medication.
It is important to purchase Postinor 2 pills from a reputable source and to be aware of the packaging and labeling details of the authentic product. If there is any doubt about the authenticity of the pill, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking it.
Do not take Postinor-2 after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. SEE: How Long Does “Postinor 2” Last In Your Body?
What’s the national risk?
No country is unaffected by fake medicines. What was once considered a danger limited to low- and middle-income countries has become a global issue. The rise of the internet and access to manufacturing equipment has made it easier than ever for illegal distribution to happen on a large scale.
The risk from fake medicines continues to be higher in low- and middle-income countries where the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in ten medical products are fake or sub-standard. People living in countries with weak, non-existent, or inaccessible health systems or in areas of conflict or unrest, where medicines may not be readily available, are more likely to turn to alternative suppliers who may put their health at risk.
Each year, an estimated 250,000 children around the world die as a result of fake malaria and pneumonia drugs alone. Low-quality or counterfeit vaccines, antibiotics, and medical equipment contribute to further deaths.
Fake drugs can kill or harm you even if you don’t make them yourself. The fake antibiotic drugs on the counterfeit market often contain the wrong antibiotic or low doses of the right one. This won’t cure an infection and contributes to antibiotic resistance – a growing and deadly threat around the world. SEE: Difference Between Postpill vs Postinor 2
