Lot numbers of affected packs of Lo/Ovral®-28 birth control pills and the generic tablets. (Source: FDA)

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Pfizer Inc. has voluntarily recalled 14 lots of Lo/Ovral-28 and 14 lots of the generic version after the company found some birth control packets had inexact counts of tablets that may be out of sequence.

Typical birth control packets contain 21 pills with active ingredients – in this case, norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol – and seven placebo pills with inert ingredients.

The FDA reports that, “These tablets were manufactured and packaged by Pfizer Inc., commercialized by Akrimax Rx Products and labeled under the Akrimax Pharmaceuticals brand. This product is distributed to warehouses, clinics and retail pharmacies nationwide.”

Pfizer Inc. claims the cause was “identified and corrected immediately,” according to FDA reports.

While the packaging problem poses no serious health risk, correct dosage of birth control pills prevents pregnancy. The FDA is suggesting women who have taken the medication in these potentially defective packages use a non-hormonal form of birth control immediately.

If you or someone you know has taken these birth control pills, and has had an adverse reaction, the FDA strongly suggests she contact Akrimax Pharmaceuticals at (877) 509-3935.