By Trevor Kapp
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Pfizer Inc. is recalling a million packets of birth control pills after the drug company discovered it made a packaging error that could increase accidental pregnancy risk.
The problem affects 14 lots of Lo/Ovral-28 tablets and 14 lots of generic Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol tablets, both of which are manufactured by Pfizer and marketed in the U.S. by Akrimax Rx Products, according to the Associated Press.
Pfizer found that some packets had too many active tablets — containing estrogen, instead of a sugar placebo — while other didn’t have enough.
A company spokeswoman told the AP the problem was caused by both mechanical and visual inspection failures. She added that it has been corrected.
Pfizer has said the problem is not related to safety, but does increase unintended pregnancy risk.
The affected packets have expiration dates ranging from July 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014. They were distributed throughout the US.
