Pfizer recalls 1 million birth-control pills

Pfizer Inc, the world's biggest drugmaker, today recalled a million birth-control packs due to a mix-up of active ingredients in the pills that may potentially put women with an increased risk of accidental pregnancy.

The New York-based drug giant is recalling certain lots of Lo/Ovral-28 tablets along with Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol tablets that were distributed across the US.

Pfizer said an internal investigation found that some blister packs may contain an inexact count of inert or active ingredient tablets and that the tablets may be out of sequence.

Pfizer said that it identified the problem and corrected. It is also urging users of the contraceptives affected by the recall to "begin using a non-hormonal form of contraception immediately.''

These products are oral contraceptives indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who choose to use oral contraceptives as a method of contraception.

"These products are packaged in blister packs containing 21 tablets of active ingredients and seven tablets of inert ingredients. Correct dosing of this product is important in avoiding the associated risks of an unplanned pregnancy," said Pfizer in a statement.