Birth Control Pills Recalled

Sept. 16, 2011 -- Qualitest Pharmaceuticals is voluntarily recalling multiple lots of its birth control pills because of a packaging error that may leave women without adequate contraception and at risk for unintended pregnancy.

Select blister packs of the birth control pills were rotated 180 degrees within the card, which reverses the weekly tablet distribution. This packaging error could cause women to take pills in the incorrect order and could lead to unintended pregnancy.

There are no other immediate health risks associated with this recall.

Qualitest is a division of Endo Pharmaceuticals. The company is currently investigating the source of the packaging error.

Recalled Products

The recall affects two Clyclafem products and two Glidess products, as well as Emoquette, Orsythia, Previfem, and Tri-Previfem oral contraceptives. A complete list of products and affected lot numbers may be found at the Endo Pharmaceuticals web site.

Women affected by the recall should use a non-hormonal form of birth control immediately and consult their health care provider or pharmacist.

Pharmacies that sold birth control pills in the recall are also being instructed to contact their customers who received the affected products.