Regulators in South Africa have recalled a batch of the favored Yaz Plus contraceptive capsule, after a packaging mix-up which suggests the contraception could possibly be doubtlessly ineffective.
Producer Bayer Ltd stated ladies utilizing drugs from the affected batch ought to cease instantly and search medical recommendation.
A packaging mix-up led to a lot of blister packs carrying 24 inactive drugs, as an alternative of 24 hormone-containing lively drugs.
The difficulty affected solely a restricted variety of packets in a particular batch labelled WEW96J, expiring in March 2026
The misguided batch has been recalled by Bayer, in session with South Africa Well being Merchandise Regulatory Company, with the corporate stressing the “root trigger” of the mix-up had been recognized and handled.
An everyday pack of Yaz Plus contraceptives accommodates 24 lively drugs containing hormones, that are pink in color, adopted by 4 hormone-free, inactive drugs, that are gentle orange in color.
Within the recalled batch, a lot of packs as an alternative carried 24 hormone-free inactive drugs and solely 4 lively hormone drugs.
The priority is {that a} lady could possibly be vulnerable to changing into pregnant having taken inactive drugs believing she was taking efficient hormonal contraception.
Bayer Ltd’s recall discover says: “Whereas solely a restricted variety of packs from the respective batch is affected, as a precautionary measure, no tablets from these packs shall be used till you’ve got consulted your healthcare practitioner, as they could doubtlessly not present the contraceptive safety you count on.”
Anybody who has acquired a packet of drugs belonging to the stipulated batch is suggested to return the tablets to pharmacies for a substitute or refund.
Healthcare professionals, hospitals, pharmacies, docs, nurses and wholesalers who’ve packets of the affected batch also needs to return them.
In a press release, Bayer Ltd stated “the foundation trigger for the mix-up of tablets within the packaging has been recognized and corrective measures have been applied”.
The incident is proscribed to just one batch and no different batches are affected, the corporate stated.
The corporate has arrange a helpline for individuals with any additional questions.
