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Packaging error spurs birth control recall
March 11, 2015
2 Min Read
Glenmark birth control recall
Glenmark birth control recall
Glenmark Generics Inc. USA today issued a voluntary, nationwide, consumer-level recall of seven (7) lots of Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP, 0.18 mg/0.035 mg, 0.215 mg/0.035 mg, 0.25 mg/0.035 mg. The recall is being implemented because of a packaging error, where select blisters were rotated 180 degrees within the card, reversing the weekly tablet orientation and making the lot number and expiry date visible only on the outer pouch. Any blister for which the lot number and expiry date is not visible is subject to recall. This packaging error is limited to the seven (7) lots listed in the table below of Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP, 0.18 mg/0.035 mg, 0.215 mg/0.035 mg, 0.25 mg/0.035 mg. This product is used as an oral contraceptive indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use oral contraceptives as a method of contraception. 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. These packaging defects do not pose any immediate health risks. However, consumers exposed to affected packaging should begin using a non-hormonal form of contraception immediately. Patients who have the affected product (lot numbers are provided below) should notify their physician and return the product to the pharmacy.
These tablets were manufactured and packaged by Glenmark Generics Ltd. India. and are distributed by Glenmark Generics Inc. USA. This product is distributed to wholesalers and retail pharmacies nationwide between September 21, 2011 and December 30, 2011. This product is distributed by Glenmark Generics Inc. only in the USA.
Lot numbers of affected packs of Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP, 0.18 mg/0.035 mg, 0.215 mg/0.035 mg, 0.25 mg/0.035 mg (Generic), are as follows:
This packaging related issue was discovered when Glenmark received a complaint from a consumer stating that she received one blister pack in which the tablets were packaged in reverse order. The correct packaging configuration of this product has 3 pouch packs packaged in a carton and each pouch pack has one blister which contains 28 tablets (seven tablets each of a different strength and inactive tablets) in which the sequence is white to off-white tablets on top row and inactive light green tablets in bottom row (correctly packaged blister packs are pictured here):
Each white to off white tablet contains 0.18 mg of the progestational compound, norgestimate USP, together with 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol USP.
Each light blue tablet contains 0.215 mg of the progestational compound, norgestimate USP, together with 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol USP.
Each blue tablet contains 0.25 mg of the progestational compound, norgestimate USP, together with 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol USP.
Each light green tablet contains inert ingredients only.
Source: FDA
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