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Hope You're Not Pregnant! 1.4 Million Packages Of Birth Control Pills Recalled
By
Ben Yakas
Published Sep 17, 2011
Modified Sep 17, 2011
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Sep 17, 2011
Modified Sep 17, 2011
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This just seems like it could get messy: a pharmaceutical company which specializes in generic drugs is recalling 1.4 million packages of birth control pills. And while there are no immediate health risks to women who have taken pills with the "packaging error," you may be in store for an unexpected surprise: "The unintended consequence of pregnancy is really the issue. That's why the company took a drastic action," said spokesman Kevin Wiggins. That seems pretty bad, but at least there's nothing wrong with our backup Chinese condoms.
The not quite aptly-named Qualitest Pharmaceuticals issued the massive recall not to boost the gynecological industry, but rather because "select blisters (found inside the pill box) were rotated 180 degrees within the card, reversing the weekly tablet orientation." This left the pills' lot number, as well as the expiration date, "no longer visible," and as a result of the error, "the daily regimen for these oral contraceptives may be incorrect and could leave women without adequate contraception, and at risk for unwanted pregnancy," the company said.
The company issued a statement saying, "The source of the error is currently under investigation and the company is committed to rectifying the issue in a timely manner." As Jezebel points out, it's not always a simple thing to rectify an unexpected pregnancy, especially of the Peggy Olsen-variety. But then again, maybe this'll make for appointment TV reenactments!
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birth control
packaging error
pregnancy
pregnant
recall
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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