Batch of YAZ Plus contraceptives recalled

SAHPRA says the batch was distributed in November last year, with some packets containing incorrectly arranged tablets.  

The affected packs contained 24 light orange hormone-free tablets and four pink film-coated hormone tablets instead of the correct arrangement of 24 pink film-coated hormone tablets and four light orange hormone-free tablets.

In a statement, pharmaceutical company Bayer said the recall is for Class II, Type A, for a specific batch (WEW96J) of YAZ Plus tablets with an expiry date of March 2026.

"If you have been taking the tablets from a batch that is affected by the mix-up, stop taking them immediately and contact your healthcare professional. While only a limited number of packs from the respective batch are 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.

"Please return any affected packs to the pharmacy or retailer where you purchased them for a replacement or refund. If you have multiple packs of YAZ Plus, please check each one of them to ensure they are not from the affected batch."

The company also urged those who have concerns about the tablets to get medical advice.

"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 minimise any inconvenience to our customers."

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