Pretoria – The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has announced that it has recalled a batch of YAZ Plus contraceptives – a year after they were distributed.
SAHPRA said it was aware of a quality issue in a batch of YAZ Plus contraceptives (Batch No. WEW96J distributed on 9 and 24 November 2023.
The regulator explained that an incorrect arrangement of tablets within some packs affects the efficacy of the affected batch.
“Instead of containing 24 pink film-coated hormone tablets and 4 light orange hormone-free tablets, the affected packs contain 24 light orange hormone-free tablets and 4 pink film-coated hormone tablets,” SAHPRA said in a statement.
The regulator said it was collaborating with the manufacturer, Bayer, to ensure a speedy recall.
SAHPRA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, said the recall was necessary to protect the public from the possible inefficacy of the affected batch.
“We urge members of the public who are in possession of YAZ PLUS Batch No. WEW96J to discontinue use and to return the packaging to their pharmacists for a replacement with a pack from an unaffected batch or a refund,” said Dr. Semete-Makokotlela.
Members of the public who are using this contraceptive are urged to check the batch number of their current tablet packs, stop consuming the tablet, return affected packs to their pharmacist, and consult with their healthcare professional.
