Regulators in South Africa have recalled a batch of the popular Yaz Plus contraceptive pill after a packaging defect meant the contraceptive could potentially be ineffective.

Manufacturer Bayer Ltd said women using pills from the affected batch should stop immediately and seek medical advice.

Due to a packaging error, many blister packs contained 24 inactive pills instead of 24 hormone-containing active pills.

The issue affected only a limited number of packets in a specific batch, labeled WEW96J, which was expiring in March 2026.

The wrong batch has been recalled by Bayer, In consultation with the South African Health Products Regulatory AgencyThe company stressed that the “root cause” of the glitch had been identified and addressed.

A regular pack of Yaz Plus contraceptives contains 24 hormone-containing active pills, which are pink in color, followed by four hormone-free, inactive pills, which are light orange in color.

In the recalled batch, several packs contained 24 hormone-free inactive pills and only four active hormone pills.

The concern is that if a woman takes inactive pills under the belief that she is taking effective hormonal contraception, she may be at risk of becoming pregnant.

Bayer Limited Recall Notice Says: “Although only a limited number of packs from the batch concerned are affected, as a precautionary measure, any tablets from these packs should not be used until you have consulted your healthcare practitioner, Because they may not potentially provide the contraceptive protection you expect.”

Anyone who has purchased a packet of tablets belonging to the prescribed batch is advised to return the tablets to the pharmacies for replacement or refund.

Health care professionals, hospitals, pharmacies, doctors, nurses and wholesalers who have packets from the affected batch should also return them.

“The root cause of mix-up of tablets in packaging has been identified and corrective measures have been implemented,” Bayer Ltd. said in a statement.

The company said the incident was limited to just one batch and no other batches were affected.

The company has established a Helpline for people with any further questions,