Birth Control Pill Packaging Error Could lead to Unwanted Pregnancy
Posted on Sep 27, 2011 2:18pm PDT
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals has recalled 1.4 million packages of eight different birth control products. According to Reporter News, the company released a statement through the FDA explaining select packages of oral contraceptives had been rotated 180 degrees. This means that women who use these products might be taking the placebo pills rather than the
prescription which could lead to pregnancy.
Prescription oral contraceptives have varying make-ups, but work in the same general fashion. In the 28-day packs, the first 21 pills have hormones that prevent ovulation. The additional 7 serve as reminders to take the medication to reinforce the daily routine. Companies generally recommend back up birth control be used if a woman misses more than three doses of her birth control pill.
The packages' skewed orientations could lead to unintended pregnancy and further health complications. If a woman does not know or realize she is taking the placebo pills, she could become pregnant. If she does not realize this she would likely continue to take the pills as directed, despite being pregnant. Some studies show that continuing on oral contraceptives during pregnancy can lead to birth defects or miscarriage.
It is a company's responsibility to accurately label the medications it produces. A failure to do so puts their customers at risk. This kind of medication error can have drastic consequences and companies must be held accountable for any damages they cause. If you have suffered from a
medication error, a
Florida prescription mistake lawyer may be able to help.