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One lot of expired Alesse 21 birth control recalled by Shoppers Drug Mart
- Starting date:
- April 7, 2015
- Posting date:
- April 7, 2015
- Type of communication:
- Advisory
- Subcategory:
- Drugs
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Issue:
- Important Safety Information
- Audience:
- General Public
- Identification number:
- RA-52823
Issue
What you should do
Who is affected
Report health or safety concerns
Media enquiries
Public enquiries
What Health Canada is doing
Issue
Health Canada is advising consumers that Shoppers Drug Mart is recalling one lot of Alesse 21, an oral contraceptive that was provided to consumers in Western Canada after the expiry date (September 2014). Efforts have been made by pharmacies to contact affected patients.
Consuming products beyond their expiry may lead to reduced effectiveness.
| Product | DIN | Strength | Pkg format | Lot number | Exp. Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alesse 21 | 02236974 | 100 µg of levonorgestrel and 20µg ethinyl estradiol | Blister - 21 tablets | G73720 | Sept. 2014 |
What you should do
- Verify the lot number and expiry date of all your medications.
- Return unused affected product to your pharmacist for a replacement.
- Speak to your healthcare practitioner if you have used any of the affected product and consider using a non-hormonal method of birth control (such as condoms, spermicidal foam or gel) until another oral contraceptive is obtained.
- Report any adverse events to Health Canada.
Who is affected
Consumers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba who have purchased or used Alesse 21, lot G73720 with the September 2014 expiry date between March 16 and April 1, 2015.
Report health or safety concerns
- Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
- Visit MedEffect Canada's web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax.
Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using social media tools.
Media enquiries
Health Canada
613-957-2983
Public enquiries
613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709
What Health Canada is doing
Health Canada is monitoring the recall and the implementation of appropriate corrective and preventative actions by Shoppers Drug Mart. The Department will continue to monitor the situation and update Canadians should new information be identified.