Regulators in South Africa have recalled a batch of the popular Yaz Plus contraceptive pill, after a packaging mix-up meant the contraceptive could potentially be ineffective.
Manufacturer Bayer Ltd said women using pills from the affected batch should stop immediately and seek medical advice.
A packaging mix-up resulted in multiple blister packs of 24 inactive pills instead of 24 hormone-containing active pills.
The issue affected only a limited number of packets in a specific batch labeled WEW96J, which was set to expire in March 2026.
The wrong batch has been recalled by Bayer, In consultation with the South African Health Products Regulatory AgencyThis was identified and dealt with by the company emphasizing the “root cause” of the mix-up.
A regular pack of Yaz Plus contraceptives contains 24 hormone-active pills, which are pink in color, followed by four hormone-free, inactive pills, which are pale orange in color.
In the recalled batch, multiple packs instead contained 24 hormone-free inactive pills and only four active hormone pills.
The concern is that a woman may be at risk of becoming pregnant when she takes inactive pills while believing she is using effective hormonal contraception.
Notice of Withdrawal of Bayer Ltd states: “While only a limited number of packs from the affected batch are affected, as a precautionary measure, none of the tablets in these packs should be used unless you have consulted your healthcare practitioner.” Don’t, because they may not provide the contraceptive protection you expect.”
Anyone who has received a packet of pills belonging to the specified batch is advised to return the pills to pharmacies for a replacement or refund.
Healthcare professionals, hospitals, pharmacies, doctors, nurses and wholesalers who have packets from the affected batch should also return them.
In a statement, Bayer Ltd said “the root cause of the pill mix-up in the packaging has been identified and corrective measures have been implemented”.
The company said the incident was limited to one batch and no other batches were affected.
The company has a Helpline for people with further questions.
