Over one million packets of birth control pills have been recalled by Pfizer, as a result of an error with the packaging that runs the risk of women getting pregnant.

Around half the packets carry the brand name Lo/Ovral-28, while the rest were generic norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets. The problem comes from a packaging error, in which inactive pills have been misplaced, meaning they could be taken at the wrong time of the month.

Pfizer released a statement saying that :

“An investigation by Pfizer found that some blister packs may contain an inexact count of inert or active ingredient tablets and that the tablets may be out of sequence … As a result of this packaging error, the daily regimen for these oral contraceptives may be incorrect and could leave women without adequate contraception, and at risk for unintended pregnancy.”

The pills were manufactured and packaged by Pfizer in New York state and sold by Akrimax Rx Products under the Akrimax brand name, in the United States. A packet is meant to contain 21 active tablets and seven inactive pills.

The lot numbers have been posted on the FDA website and women taking the product should contact their doctor and return the pills with their packaging to their local pharmacy. They should also being a backup form of non-hormonal birth control immediately, as they would no longer be protected from pregnancy if the inactive pills have been take during the wrong time.

Pfizer spokeswoman Grace Ann Arnold told AFP :

“The cause of the inexact package counts has been identified and corrected … mechanical and operator visual inspection systems failure on the packaging line.”

Women have also been urged by Gynecologists to take a pregnancy test and ensure they have not become pregnant, especially if they have any symptoms of pregnancy such as missed periods or abnormal bleeding.

Written by Rupert Shepherd