MCAZ Issues Recall for Faulty Batch of YAZ Contraceptives

By Pronellah Lunga

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has issued a Class 2 recall for a batch of YAZ Plus Contraceptives due to a significant packaging error that may affect the product’s effectiveness.

In a statement, MCAZ Director General Richard T. Rukwata confirmed that the affected batch—YAZ Plus Tablets, Registration Number 2022/21.2.1/6235, Batch WEW961J, manufactured by Bayer (Pty) Ltd, South Africa—contained a mix-up in the tablet configuration. Some packs were found to contain 24 light orange hormone-free tablets and 4 hormone tablets, instead of the correct combination of 24 pink hormone tablets and 4 light orange hormone-free tablets.

The recall was issued as a precautionary measure, with MCAZ stressing that the mix-up could render the contraceptive ineffective, posing a potential health risk.

MCAZ has urged all medical institutions, including licensed wholesalers, pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals, to immediately quarantine any affected products and cooperate fully with Bayer and local distributors during the recall process.

Consumers who have purchased the affected batch are advised to discontinue use immediately, return the product to their pharmacist, and seek medical advice.

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, a statutory body, is mandated to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicines, medical devices, and allied substances through strict regulatory enforcement.