Packaging flaw leads to voluntary recall by Sandoz

A consumer reported that the white placebo tablets were mistakenly in the ninth row (labeled “Week 9”) of the 13-row blister card, rather than in the correct position in the 13th and final row (labeled “Week 13”). Each three-month blister card contains 84 peach-colored active tablets and seven white placebo tablets in 13 rows, each representing one week. While the white placebo tablets can be clearly distinguished from the peach-colored active tablets, the risk of an unintended pregnancy for a patient taking the wrong tablet over several days cannot be excluded.

The lot numbers involved in the recall are as follows: LF00478C, LF00479C, LF00551C, LF00552C, LF00687C, LF00688C, LF00763C, LF00764C, LF00765C and LF01261C. These lots were distributed only in the US between January 2011 and May 2012.

BACKGROUND: Introvale is an extended-cycle oral contraceptive. Sandoz is not aware of any reports of related adverse events.

RECOMMENDATION: If a patient finds a white placebo tablet in any position other than the 13th and final row (Week 13), they should immediately begin using a non-hormonal form of contraception and contact their healthcare professional.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events, side effects, or quality problems related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report online.
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the MedWatch safety alert, inlcuding a link to the firm press release.