Contraceptive pills recalled in South Africa after mix-up
South African regulators have issued a recall for a batch of the widely used Yaz Plus contraceptive pill due to a packaging error that may render the product ineffective.
The manufacturer, Bayer Ltd, advised women using pills from the affected batch to stop taking them immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
The mix-up occurred when several blister packs contained 24 inactive pills instead of the intended 24 hormone-containing active pills.
This issue affects only a specific batch labeled WEW96J, with an expiration date of March 2026.
Bayer, in coordination with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, has recalled the faulty batch. The company confirmed that the “root cause” of the packaging error has been identified and resolved.
A typical Yaz Plus pack includes 24 active hormone pills, which are pink, followed by four inactive, hormone-free pills, which are light orange. However, in the recalled batch, some packs contained 24 inactive pills and only four active hormone pills.
The concern is that a woman could be at risk of becoming pregnant having taken inactive pills believing she was taking effective hormonal contraception.
Bayer Ltd’s recall notice says: “While only a limited number of packs from the respective batch is 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.”
Anyone who has acquired a packet of pills belonging to the stipulated batch is advised to return the tablets to pharmacies for a replacement or refund.
Healthcare professionals, hospitals, pharmacies, doctors, nurses and wholesalers who have packets of the affected batch should also return them.
In a statement, Bayer Ltd said “the root cause for the mix-up of tablets in the packaging has been identified and corrective measures have been implemented”.
The incident is limited to only one batch and no other batches are affected, the company said.
The company has set up a helpline for people with any further questions.
