How to spot the fake P2 pills circulating in Kenya
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has flagged a falsified Postinor-2 batch already in the Kenyan market containing deceptive information about its manufacturer.
Postinor-2, commonly known as P2, is an emergency birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure that is taken within 72 hours.
In a new Public Alert written by PPB’s chief executive, Dr Ahmed Mohamed, he said that the P2 drugs, known as Levonorgestrel of about 0. 75 milligrams tablets were from Batch No. T34197R.
The sellers who were flagged claimed that the specific batch was manufactured by a European multinational pharmaceutical company called Gedeon Richter.
PPB did a comparative analysis between the falsified and the genuine Postinor-2 supplied by Gedeon Richter Plc. laying bare several noticeable differences.
They noticed a mismatch in the batch printing method, which was different from the one used on authentic Gedeon Richter products.
They also found that the Patient Information Leaflet contained several printing and typographical errors that could easily be identified as fake.
The falsified sellers also had a carton sealing method that is different from the original one.
“Genuine Gedeon Richter packs are sealed using a hot melt closure, whereas the falsified pack is not,” said Ahmed in the public alert.
The fake batch had different colour grading of the orange colour that is used by the original manufacturer on the brand name. PPB also said that other areas of the pack had intense colours compared to the genuine product.
Lastly, the font of the logo revealed after scratching the authentication panel is different from that of the genuine pack.
“These observations strongly indicate that the product is falsified and is not manufactured or released by Gedeon Richter,” said Ahmed.
PPB now warns that this batch of falsified Postinor-2 may contain incorrect amounts of the active ingredient, no active ingredient at all, harmful contaminants, or undeclared substances, and may not provide the intended therapeutic effect.
“Healthcare professionals are advised to remain vigilant, verify the authenticity of stocks before dispensing and to quarantine any suspected falsified products,” said the regulator’s CEO.
PPB has since asked procurement agencies, hospitals, distributors, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, and members of the public to also report immediately any encounter with the falsified Postinor-2, specifically of batch number T34197R.
The PPB has asked suppliers to buy Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) exclusively from PPB-licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers.
They warn that procuring from unlicensed sources endangers patients and constitutes a violation of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Cap 244 of the Laws of Kenya.
“The Board, in collaboration with the relevant Government investigative and enforcement agencies, has made significant progress in investigations, including the arrest of two individuals found in possession of the falsified product,” said Ahmed.
“Further investigations are ongoing to establish the source of the product, the point of entry into the country, and the extent of distribution within the supply chain. The board will continue to take firm regulatory and legal action against all persons found to be involved in the manufacture, importation, distribution or supply of falsified health products and technologies,” he added.
If you suspect that the drug you are using has been tampered with, you may report it using official PPB channels, including using the USSD code *271#, calling 0795743049 or sending an email to pv@ppb.go.ke or pms@ppb.go.ke.
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