Pharmaceutical giant Bayer has issued an urgent recall of a specific batch of Yaz Plus contraceptive pills in South Africa, citing a packaging error that could compromise their effectiveness.
Story Summary:
- Bayer recalled batch WEW96J of Yaz Plus birth control pills in South Africa after discovering a packaging error that could compromise contraceptive efficacy.
- Affected packs contained 24 hormone-free pills instead of the usual four, raising concerns about unintended pregnancies.
- Customers and healthcare providers are urged to return affected stock, with Bayer committing to resolving the issue and ensuring patient safety.
Bayer initiates Yaz Plus birth control recall
The recall, confirmed by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), involves batch number WEW96J, which expires in March 2026.
Bayer’s Medical Director Dr Naren Jairam explained that the issue lies in the misplacement of hormone and placebo pills within the packs.
Some packages contain 24 hormone-free pills instead of the usual four, with only four hormone-containing pills instead of the required 24.
This discrepancy means the pills may fail to provide the expected contraceptive protection.
“Patients using this batch should stop immediately and consult their healthcare provider for advice,” Jairam said.
Bayer emphasised its commitment to rectifying the issue swiftly and reassured customers that no other Yaz Plus batches were affected.
Healthcare professionals, retailers, and customers have been instructed to return affected stock to distributors for credit.
Bayer has identified the root cause of the mix-up and implemented corrective measures to prevent similar issues in the future.
What does this recall mean for consumers?
The recall has raised concerns about the potential consequences for individuals relying on Yaz Plus for contraception.
Hormone-free pills, also known as placebo pills, are typically included to maintain the habit of daily pill-taking but do not contribute to pregnancy prevention.
The current mix-up could lead to unintended pregnancies, especially if users are unaware of the error.
If you have already consumed pills from batch WEW96J, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to discuss additional contraceptive measures.
Bayer and SAHPRA are working together to address the situation while minimising inconvenience to affected users.
