Precautionary recall of birth control product: Esme-28

Esme-28 (DIN 02388146), an oral contraceptive (birth control product), is being voluntarily recalled from the Canadian market by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. This action is further to their recall of a different birth control product, Freya-28 , which was recalled on August 27, 2013, after one package was found to contain a placebo pill in place of an active pill. Health Canada has been advised by Mylan Pharmaceuticals that they have been unable to rule out the possibility that Esme-28 was impacted by the same packaging issue involving Freya-28. Therefore, as a precaution, Mylan Pharmaceuticals is expanding their recall to include Esme-28. To date, no packaging errors have been identified with Esme-28. Packages of Esme-28 should have three rows of active (pink) pills and one row of placebo (green) pills. Missing one or more active (pink) pills could result in reduced effectiveness for contraception, with the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy. As of August 24, 2013, no adverse reactions have been reported to Health Canada related to this issue.

Labelling

Consult your healthcare practitioner with any questions or concerns regarding the use of oral contraceptives, especially Esme-28. Use a non-hormonal method of birth control (such as condoms, spermicidal foam or gel) until another oral contraceptive can be obtained. Return unopened packages to your pharmacist. Report any adverse reactions potentially related to Esme-28 to Health Canada . Contact Health Canada's toll-free line at 1-800-267-9675 with questions or complaints about this product.