By Ahmed Areff.
@123RF.
Pharmaceutical and biotech giant Bayer has launched a recall of a batch of Yaz Plus contraceptive pills over a packaging “mix-up” that could compromise its birth control efficacy.
“In close consultation with the South African Health Products Authority (Sahpra), Bayer has initiated a Class II, Type A recall for the Yaz Plus tablets batch identified as WEW96J, with an expiry date of March 2026,” medical director for Bayer’s pharmaceuticals division, Dr Naren Jairam, said on Thursday.
“This measure was taken following a discovery of a packaging mix-up in a limited number of packs which could potentially compromise the product’s contraceptive efficacy.
Sahpra also confirmed the recall.
Bayer urged patients who had pills from batch to stop using it immediately.
“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.
“If you have consumed tablets from the affected batch, or if you have concerns about your contraceptive coverage, please consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible for advice.”
Bayer said that some Yaz Plus packs had 24 hormone-free pills, instead of the 24 actual hormone tablets used for contraception.
The hormone-free placebo pills, also known as “sugar” pills or reminder pills, are meant to help you remember to take your pill every day and start your next pack on time.
Bayer said all healthcare professionals, wholesalers, hospitals, retail pharmacy outlets, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, authorised prescribers, dispensers, and individual customers or patients that have pills from the affected batch could return them in exchange for credit.
“Bayer takes the safety and efficacy of its products seriously and is committed to ensuring that all Yaz Plus tablets in the market meet the highest quality standards. The root cause for the mix-up of tablets in the packaging has been identified and corrective measures have been implemented,” it said.
“This incident is limited to only this one batch and no other batches are impacted. The company is working diligently with Sahpra and healthcare providers to facilitate the recall process and minimize any inconvenience to our customers.
“We are dedicated to addressing this issue promptly and ensuring the continued health and safety of all our customers.”