Birth Control Pills Recalled
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Some birth control pills are being recalled because of a packaging error that could lead to unexpected pregnancies.
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals is recalling multiple lots of generic birth-control pills because of a packaging error that could lead to incorrect dosing and unintended pregnancies.
The company says the error caused the weekly tablet orientation to be reversed and obscuring the lot number and expiration date on certain packages. The problem could lead to inadequate contraception if women don't get the proper daily regimen of the drug.
The recall affects two Cyclafem products and two Gildess products, as well as the Emoquette, Orsythia, Previfem and Tri-Previfem contraceptives.
The pills were sold nation-wide and pharmacies are being instructed to contact consumers who have received the recalled products.
The nurses at Beaumont OBGYN Dr. Mark Werner's office in West Bloomfield were spending Friday calling patients taking these pills to alert them of the recall.
Dr. Werner told WWJ's Kathryn Larson the problem is these pill are out of order. So, his best advice is to stop taking them.
"In the olden days all the pills were all the same, so if you switched pill 20 for pill one, it's the same pill. But in the newer pills they have different doses of the hormones," he explained.
Dr. Werner said, in the meantime, those taking the pills should switch to a back up method. But he does say to not immediately pitch the pills. Dr. Werner said the company may offer a refund.
Doctors, pharmacists and patients seeking more information can contact Qualitest at 1-877-300-6153.
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals is a unit of Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc.
To view a complete list of the affected lots, click here.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
