South Africa/Contraceptive safety alert: SAPHRA recalls Yaz Plus Batch

SAPHRA have issued an urgent recall of a Yaz Plus contraceptive pill batch due to a packaging error that could leave users at risk of unintended pregnancies.

The error involves batch WEW96J, expiring in March 2026, which mistakenly includes 24 hormone-free inactive pills instead of the usual 24 active hormone-containing pills.

Bayer Ltd, the manufacturer, acknowledged the issue and has taken action in consultation with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

A regular Yaz Plus pack typically contains 24 pink active pills and four light-orange inactive pills. In the defective batch, the proportions were reversed, raising concerns about contraceptive failure for unsuspecting users.

Bayer has advised users to immediately stop taking pills from the affected batch and consult a healthcare provider. Those in possession of the flawed packs are urged to return them to pharmacies for a replacement or refund.

Healthcare providers and distributors have also been instructed to return stock from the affected batch. Bayer assured that the root cause of the mix-up has been identified and corrective measures implemented to prevent recurrence.

The company emphasized that only this specific batch is impacted, with all other Yaz Plus products deemed safe. A helpline has been set up to address questions from concerned customers.

This incident underscores the critical importance of rigorous quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing, especially for products as essential as contraceptives.