Advisory - One lot of expired Alesse 21 birth control recalled by Shoppers Drug Mart

OTTAWA, April 7, 2015 /CNW/ -

The 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 affected:

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.

What consumers 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.

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.

How to report side effects to health products to Health Canada:

• 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.

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SOURCE Health Canada