Birth control pills recall — FDA warns of ‘reduced effectiveness’

Federal regulators are warning consumers that now-recalled lots of the Tydemy birth control pill “may have reduced effectiveness” due to decreased levels of a key ingredient of the product.

Lupin Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures Tydemy, notified customers on Saturday that it was voluntarily recalling two batches of the oral contraceptive — after one lot tested low for ascorbic acid and high “for a known impurity.”

Inadequate ascorbic acid “could potentially impact the effectiveness" of the birth control, Lupin said in a company announcement published by the Food and Drug Administration, which could result in unexpected pregnancy.

In an additional alert published by the FDA on Tuesday, regulators confirmed that no reports of adverse effects related to the recalled lots of Tydemy had been reported to date.

Even though this recall impacts just two batches of one brand, it’s important for people using Tydemy birth control pills to check their stock — and contact a health care provider if needed.

The Tydemy lots under recall were distributed across the U.S. from June 2022 through May 2023. The products can be identified by their lot codes — L200183 and L201560 — and expiration dates of January 2024 and September 2024, respectfully.

Lupin is instructing Tydemy patients to continue taking their medication — and immediately contact a health care provider “for advice regarding an alternative contraceptive method," the FDA said, if their birth control was impacted by the recall or if they experience any problems taking the product.

According to Lupin's announcement last week, the company is also notifying wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies and other retailers and is arranging for the return for all of the products impacted by the recall. Contact information for reimbursement requests can be found on the recall notice.

The Associated Press reached out to Lupin for additional comment Thursday.