Drug giant Pfizer Inc. is issuing a recall of one million packets of birth control pills sold in the United States. According to the Associated Press, a packaging error on two products could leave women susceptible to pregnancy through an inadequate dosage.
The products affected include 14 lots of Lo/Ovral 28 tablets and 14 lots of Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol tablets. They are marked in the U.S. by Akrimax Rx Products under the Akrimax Pharmaceuticals brand, and carry an expiration date between July 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014.
Pfizer reported that the balance between active and inactive tablets in the drug packages had been compromised, leading to some packets having too many active pills and others having too few. The problem originated when both mechanical and visual inspection procedures failed along the packaging line, a spokeswoman for the company said.
Pfizer said the problem had been identified and corrected, and does not pose a safety risk. Pills are being recalled, however, because of the heightened risk of unintended pregnancy.
Customers who purchased pills affected by the recall should return them to the pharmacy, Pfizer said.
Standard birth control packets contain 21 active drug tablets and seven inactive sugar tablets that work to regulate menstruation and provide contraception, the AP noted.
