Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Your Birth Control May Get You Pregnant: Pfizer Recalls 1 Million Packets


By

Jen Chung

Published Feb 1, 2012

Modified Feb 1, 2012


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

Photograph by  cristi180884 / Shutterstock

 


By

Jen Chung

Published Feb 1, 2012

Modified Feb 1, 2012


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Uh-oh: Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is recalling 1 million packets of birth controls pills "because of a packaging error that could leave women with an inadequate dose of the hormone-based drugs and raise the risk that they will get pregnant accidentally," reports the AP.

The affected pills are 14 lots of Lo/Ovral-28 tablets and 14 lots of generic Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol tablets, all of which are marketed under the Akrimax Pharmaceuticals brand. See, what happened was that some of the packets had too many active tablets, while some had too few. The FDA says, " 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. "

Here's the FDA's press release about the recall.

Tagged

Akrimax

backup contraceptive

birth control

birth control pills

contraceptive

Lo/Ovral-28

pfizer


Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board

Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.

By

Ryan Kost

Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET


NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought

The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.

By

Rosemary Misdary

News

NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought

The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.

By

Rosemary Misdary


Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases

By

Catalina Gonella

Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions

By

Jon Campbell

Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer

By

Ben Feuerherd


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .