South Africa recalls contraceptive pills due to packaging mix-up
Regulators in South Africa have issued a recall of a specific batch of the widely used Yaz Plus contraceptive pill due to a packaging error that could render the contraception ineffective. The recall follows the discovery that some blister packs from the affected batch contain the incorrect number of active and inactive pills, posing a potential risk of unintended pregnancies for users.
As per sources, the issue involves batch WEW96J, which has an expiration date of March 2026. According to Bayer Ltd, the manufacturer of Yaz Plus, a mix-up during packaging resulted in some packs containing 24 inactive, hormone-free pills instead of the standard 24 hormone-containing active pills. This error leaves users vulnerable, as they may believe they are taking effective contraception when in fact they are not.
In a typical Yaz Plus pack, 24 pink pills contain hormones that provide contraceptive protection, followed by four light orange hormone-free pills. In the affected batch, some packs instead carry 24 light orange inactive pills and only four pink active pills. Bayer has urged women who are currently using pills from the affected batch to stop immediately and consult their healthcare providers for advice. The company has also emphasized the importance of not using any tablets from this batch until medical guidance has been obtained.
Bayer, in collaboration with the South Africa Health Products Regulatory Authority, has issued a recall of the affected Yaz Plus batch, assuring the public that the root cause of the packaging error has been identified and resolved. The company emphasized that the issue is limited to this specific batch and does not impact any other Yaz Plus batches. To assist users with concerns or questions, Bayer has established a dedicated helpline, providing additional support and guidance to ensure that those affected receive the necessary information and assistance promptly.
To minimize the risk to users, Bayer has instructed anyone in possession of pills from the WEW96J batch to return them to their pharmacy for a replacement or refund. Healthcare providers, hospitals, pharmacies, and wholesalers have also been asked to check their inventories and return any stock from the affected batch. Bayer’s recall notice reiterated the importance of replacing these defective packs to ensure users receive the contraceptive protection they need.
The packaging error has raised significant concerns among healthcare professionals, as the incorrect distribution of active and inactive pills could leave users unknowingly unprotected against pregnancy. Bayer has emphasized that the root cause of the issue has been identified and addressed, with corrective measures now in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The company reassured the public that the matter has been thoroughly investigated and is limited to a single batch. Bayer continues to work with regulators and healthcare providers to ensure affected users are informed and supported during the recall process.
While Bayer has described the mix-up as an isolated incident affecting only one batch, the recall serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent quality controls in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Women using Yaz Plus are encouraged to verify their pack’s batch number and take prompt action if it matches the recalled lot. The helpline established by Bayer is available to address any remaining concerns, ensuring that users can access accurate information and support during this recall process.