SAHPRA recalls contraceptive pills due to manufacturing error
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has issued a nationwide recall of certain contraceptive pills due to a manufacturing error that resulted in incorrect labeling.
This poses a risk of unintended pregnancies and health complications for thousands of women.
A recent spate of reports from healthcare professionals, detailing instances of patients receiving incorrect contraceptive pills, prompted the recall. Investigations have since uncovered a manufacturing error at one of the pharmaceutical companies causing incorrect packaging of different formulations.
SAHPRA CEO Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela revealed that the recalled batch WEW96J contains contraceptives in the wrong sequence.
“The standard configuration of 24 pink film-coated hormone tablets and 4 light orange hormone-free tablets has been reversed in the affected packs,” Makokotlela explained. “Instead, they contain 24 light orange hormone-free tablets and only 4 pink film-coated hormone tablets.”
SAHPRA spokesperson Madimetja Mashishi has urged affected consumers to immediately check their medication packaging, return any incorrect pills to pharmacies and consult healthcare providers for alternative contraceptive guidance until the issue is resolved.
“Consumers with YAZ Plus Batch No. WEW96J are advised to discontinue use immediately and return the packaging to their pharmacist for a replacement pack from an unaffected batch or a full refund.”
SAHPRA is working closely with Bayer, the manufacturer to facilitate a rapid and efficient withdrawal of the affected products.
