Pfizer Recalls 1M Birth Control Packs After Mixup
NEW YORK (CBSMiami) – Take a close look at your birth control pills ladies because Pfizer is recalling a million birth control packets because of a packaging error. Some of the packs have an inadequate dose of hormones which could raise the risk of pregnancy.
The company blames both mechanical and human errors at the packaging plant.
The problem affects 14 lots of Lo/Ovral-28 tablets and 14 lots of generic Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol tablets. Both products are manufactured by Pfizer and marketed in the U.S. by Akrimax Rx Products under the Akrimax Pharmaceuticals brand.
For a list of the lots affected, click here
Pfizer found that some packets of the drugs had too many active tablets, while others had too few.
Oral birth control products use a series of 21 drug tablets and 7 inactive sugar tablets to regulate the menstrual period while providing contraception.
A company spokeswoman said the problem was caused by both mechanical and visual inspection failures on the packaging line. She said the problem has been corrected.
Pfizer issued a statement saying the problem is not related to safety but does raise the risk of unintended pregnancy.
The affected packets have expiration dates ranging between July 31, 2013, and March 31, 2014.
The drugs were distributed to warehouses, clinics and retail pharmacies throughout the U.S.
