Bayer Recalls Defective YAZ PLUS Contraceptive Pills: What You Need to Know

Bayer has recalled a batch of YAZ PLUS contraceptive pills due to a packaging mix-up. This issue could affect the pill’s contraceptive effectiveness. Here’s what you should know.

What’s the Problem with the Pills?

Some packs of YAZ PLUS contain the wrong sequence of tablets. These packs have 24 hormone-free tablets and only four hormone tablets, instead of 24 hormone tablets and four hormone-free ones. As a result, these pills may not work as expected.

Details of the Recall

The recall affects YAZ PLUS tablets with batch number WEW96J, expiring in March 2026. Bayer has initiated a class II, type A recall. This means there’s a potential risk for temporary or reversible health issues.

Bayer is working with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) to retrieve any affected stock. Affected pills are being recalled from pharmacies, wholesalers, and consumers.

Why Is This Important?

The defective pills may fail to provide the expected contraceptive protection. For women using YAZ PLUS, this increases the risk of unintended pregnancy.

What Should You Do If You Have Affected Pills?

If you bought YAZ PLUS with batch number WEW96J, return it immediately. You can get a full refund by taking the pills back to DSV Healthcare or the original distributor.

Don’t continue using these pills. Instead, talk to your pharmacy or healthcare provider to explore alternative contraception options.

How to Check Your Pills

Look for the batch number (WEW96J) and expiry date (March 2026) on your pill packaging. If your pills match this information, they are part of the recall.

Bayer is acting quickly to protect consumers. If you have affected YAZ PLUS pills, make sure to return them and consult your healthcare provider for other options.