Esme–28 birth control pill recalled, Public Health urges women to obtain medical advice

September 23, 2013 · 0 Comments

Public Health is advising women about the recall of the third birth control pill this year. Esme-28 is being voluntarily recalled by Mylan Pharmeceuticals following their recall of a different birth control product (Freya-28) on August 27.

Public Health does not distribute Esme-28; however, your pharmacy may substitute Esme-28 for Alesse. If you have been prescribed either birth control pill, you are urged to contact your primary care provider, pharmacist, or Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4744.

Freya-28 was recalled after one package was found to contain a placebo pill instead of active medication. The recall of Esme-28 is precautionary to ensure the product hasn’t been impacted by the same packaging issue. The Esme-28 package should contain thre rows of active (pink) pills and one row of placebo (green) pills. Missing active pills could result in reduced effectiveness for contraception and an unplanned pregnancy.

“Any woman who is concerned about Esme-28, Freya-28, Alysena-28 or any other oral contraceptive pill they are taking should contact their healthcare provider or pharmacist,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “Until you obtain medical advice about a recalled birth control pill, use an alternative non-hormonal method of birth control such as condoms.”

If you suspect pregnancy or wish free condoms, please visit one of our clinic sites: http://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/?q=cliniclocations

More information about this recall is available on Health Canada’s website: http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2013/35477a-eng.php