Revised April 13, 2013

You may have heard recent news about the birth control pill Alysena 28 (ali-see-na). This product has been recalled and should not be used because there is a risk of getting pregnant while taking this pill. Alysena is similar to the birth control pill, Alesse.

If you have received a prescription for Alesse and have it filled at a pharmacy, it is possible the pharmacy may have given you Alysena 28 instead. Check the label on the pills or contact your pharmacy to find out whether you have been given Alesse or Alysena 28.

If you have received Alysena 28, or if you are unsure about which birth control pill you have, use condoms with all sexual activity and contact the person who prescribed your birth control pills for more advice.

The affected lot number of Alysena 28 is: LF01899A. This product is manufactured by Apotex Inc.

Several other lots have also been recalled as a precaution. These can be found on Health Canada’s web site: http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2013/26769a-eng.php.

The original recall notice is provided on Health Canada’s website: http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2013/26663r-eng.php#affected-touches

The Clinic at the Middlesex-London Health Unit does not provide Alysena. However, if an Alesse prescription was provided by The Clinic, pharmacies may have provided Alysena 28 instead.