In brief
The South African Health Products Regulatory Agency has announced a recall of the Yaz Plus contraceptive pill manufactured by Bayer Ltd., due to an alarming packaging error that compromises its effectiveness. In the affected batch labeled WEW96J, users may find blister packs containing 24 inactive pills instead of the intended active hormonal pills. Regulators warn that women using these incorrectly packed pills should cease usage immediately and consult their healthcare providers to avoid the risk of unintended pregnancies.
The recall specifically pertains to a limited number of packets set to expire in March 2026. Bayer has stressed that the packaging error has been investigated and the source of the mistake has been rectified. Typically, Yaz Plus comes with 24 pink-colored active pills and four light orange hormone-free pills, designed to ensure effective contraception. However, in this faulty batch, users are at risk of mistakenly consuming 24 inactive pills, potentially undermining the pill's intended protection against pregnancies.Bayer has advised anyone who possesses these packages to return them to pharmacies for a replacement or refund. Healthcare professionals have also been instructed to return these affected items. The company has established a helpline for inquiries and reassured that only this specific batch is impacted by the issue. The health and safety of women relying on contraceptive methods remain a priority for Bayer, as they work to ensure all corrective measures are fully implemented.
