Contraceptive pills recalled in South Africa after mix-up
2 min read
Regulators in South Africa have issued a recall for a batch of the Yaz Plus contraceptive pill following a packaging error that could potentially render the pills ineffective. Bayer Ltd, the manufacturer of the contraceptive, has advised women who used pills from the affected batch to stop immediately and seek medical guidance.
The issue arose from a packaging mix-up that resulted in certain blister packs containing 24 inactive pills instead of the usual 24 active, hormone-containing pills. This mix-up affected a specific batch labeled WEW96J, which has an expiration date of March 2026.
Bayer, in coordination with the South Africa Health Products Regulatory Agency (SAHPRA), confirmed that the erroneous batch was recalled as a precautionary measure. The company stated that the root cause of the packaging error had been identified and addressed.
A typical Yaz Plus contraceptive pack contains 24 pink pills, which are active and hormone-containing, followed by four light orange, inactive pills. However, in the affected batch, some packs contained 24 hormone-free inactive pills and only four active ones. The concern is that women who unknowingly took the inactive pills could have been at risk of pregnancy, believing they were taking effective hormonal contraception.
Bayer’s recall notice emphasized the need for caution, stating, “While only a limited number of packs from the respective batch are affected, as a precautionary measure, no tablets from these packs shall be used until you have consulted your healthcare practitioner, as they may potentially not provide the contraceptive protection you expect.”
Consumers who have purchased pills from the affected batch are encouraged to return the packs to their pharmacies for either a replacement or refund. Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, hospitals, and pharmacies that have received the affected batch, are also instructed to return the products.
Bayer has reassured the public that the problem is limited to this single batch, and no other batches of Yaz Plus are affected. The company has also established a helpline for individuals seeking further clarification or assistance regarding the recall.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of pharmaceutical packaging processes. However, Bayer has stated that the corrective actions have been implemented to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
About The Author
