London, ON – Health Canada has recalled two lots of the birth control pill Freya 28. These lots should not be used as there is a risk of getting pregnant while taking these pills. The recall was issued because of a packaging error that resulted in an inactive or placebo pill (green pill) being placed in the package where an active pill (white pill) should have been. The package should have three rows of active (white) pills and one row of inactive or placebo (green) pills. The affected lot numbers of Freya 28 are: 3739F001B and 3739F002B. This product is manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. Please note: Freya 21 is unaffected by this recall.
Freya is similar to the birth control pill, Marvelon. If you have received a prescription for Marvelon and had it filled at a pharmacy, it is possible the pharmacy may have given you Freya 28 instead. Carefully check the label on the pill package or call your pharmacy to find out whether you have been given Marvelon or Freya 28.
If you are using the affected lots of Freya 28, or if you are not sure which birth control pill you are using, use condoms during all sexual activity and contact the person who prescribed your birth control pills for more advice.
The original recall notice is provided on Health Canada’s website: http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2013/35315a-eng.php.
The Clinic at the Middlesex-London Health Unit does not provide Freya. Therefore, if you purchased your birth control directly from The Clinic, you were not given Freya.
However, if a prescription for Marvelon was provided by The Clinic, but you get your pills from a pharmacy, the pharmacy may have given you Freya 28 instead. Check the label on the pills or contact your pharmacy to find out whether you have been given Marvelon or Freya 28.
If you have any questions, please call The Clinic at 519-663-5446.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570
Spokesperson:
Bryna Warshawsky, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit