Health Canada has recalled two lots of the birth control pill Freya 28 and one lot of the birth control Esme 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 with the Freya 28 that resulted in an inactive or placebo pill (green pill) being placed in the package where an active pill (white) should have been. The package should have three rows of active (white) pills and one row of inactive or placebo (green) pills. The Esme 28 is being recalled in case a similar error occurred with this pill. The affected lot numbers of Freya 28 are: 3739F001B and 3739F002B and of Esme 28 are: F5042001C. These products are manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. Please note: Freya 21 and Esme 21 are 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.

Esme is similar to the birth control pill, Alesse. If you have received a prescription for Alesse and had it filled at a pharmacy, it is possible the pharmacy may have given you Esme 28 instead. Carefully check the label on the pill package or call your pharmacy to find out whether you have been given Alesse 28 or Esme 28.

If you are using the affected lots of Freya 28 or Esme 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 and
http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2013/35477a-eng.php.

The Clinic at the Middlesex-London Health Unit does not provide Freya or Esme. Therefore, if you purchased your birth control directly from The Clinic, you were not given Freya or Esme.

However, if a prescription for Marvelon or Alesse was provided by The Clinic, but you get your pills from a pharmacy, the pharmacy may have given you Freya 28 or Esme 28 instead. Check the label on the pills or contact your pharmacy to find out whether you have been given Freya 28 instead of Marvelon,, or Esme 28 instead of Alesse. .

If you have any questions, please call The Clinic at 519-663-5446.