A packaging mix-up prompts safety concerns for contraceptive efficacy.
Pharmaceutical giant Bayer has issued a recall for a specific batch of its Yas Plus contraceptive pills following a packaging error that could compromise their effectiveness. The recall, described as a Class II, Type A measure, applies to batch WEW96J, which carries an expiry date of March 2026.
Bayer revealed that certain packs of Yas Plus pills mistakenly contain 24 hormone-free tablets and only four hormone-containing ones, rather than the correct configuration of 24 hormone-containing tablets and four placebo pills. This error undermines the product’s ability to provide effective contraception, according to Bayer’s Regulatory Affairs head, Eric Chauke.
“This recall was initiated after a limited number of packs found in retail pharmacies were discovered to have a mix-up in the sequence and composition of the tablets,” Chauke explained. He emphasized that the affected packs could not provide the expected contraceptive efficacy and recommended that users immediately return any packages from the impacted batch to their supplier.
Dr. Naren Jairam, Bayer’s pharmaceuticals medical director, stated that the recall decision followed consultation with the South African Health Products Authority (Sahpra). “This precautionary measure was taken to ensure consumer safety after identifying a potential compromise in contraceptive efficacy due to the packaging mistake,” he said.
Urgent Warning to Consumers
Bayer has issued a strong advisory to women using Yas Plus tablets:
- Stop taking pills from the affected batch immediately.
- Consult a healthcare professional before continuing with any contraceptive measures.
- Return affected packs to the pharmacy or retailer for a replacement or refund.
“While only a limited number of packs from the respective batch are affected, as a precaution, no tablets from these packs should be used until a healthcare professional has been consulted,” the company urged.
Understanding the Mix-Up
Chauke elaborated on the nature of the error, highlighting that the placement of hormone and hormone-free tablets was reversed in some packs. “Birth control pills typically include active hormone pills to prevent pregnancy and placebo pills to allow for a period phase. In the reported cases, this sequence was mistakenly reversed,” he explained.
Out of the affected batch, 11 faulty packs have been identified, with four already recovered. The recall aims to address the remaining defective units.
Women who have used pills from the affected batch are advised to consult their doctors immediately, especially if they have concerns about contraceptive failure. Bayer also recommends checking any additional packs purchased alongside the affected lot to ensure they are not part of the faulty batch.
Bayer has reaffirmed its commitment to consumer safety and apologized for any inconvenience caused. The pharmaceutical company encourages vigilance and swift action to mitigate risks.
This recall serves as a reminder of the critical importance of stringent quality control in pharmaceutical production, especially for products with far-reaching implications for users’ health and well-being.
