Health Canada issued a recall for Linessa 21 birth control pills on June 19th 2021 because a batch was missing pills in packs and some others were mispackaged. This means,  some Linessa blister packs may be missing pills, may contain more than one tablet in a blister pocket, and may contain pills in the wrong order.

According to Health Canada, all Linessa 21 birth control pills (DIN02272903), lot 200049, with expiry 03/2023 are ordered for recall. 

Here is an image with an example of a Linessa 21 – Blister pack with missing pills, double pills in a blister pocket, and pills out of their proper order

What Linessa batch is ordered for recall?

How does missing pills, wrong order or mispackaging can affect Linessa’s effectiveness?

Missing a pill, taking a pill out of the proper order, or taking two pills at the same time could lead to undesired pregnancy and other side effects, including spotting and irregular bleeding. It is important to get a replacement package as soon as possible to avoid missing any pills or taking a pill in the wrong order.

Linessa 21 packages contain 21 coloured pills: 7 light yellow, 7 orange and 7 red, with a different amount of hormone in each colour of pill. The pills are taken daily for three weeks, followed by one week of not taking pills (unless otherwise directed by the prescriber). Taking the pills in the proper order, according to the instructions that accompany the product, is important for preventing pregnancy. 

What to do?

• If your Linessa package has missing or mispackaged pills, return it to your pharmacy as soon as possible for a replacement. If you are uncertain, consult your pharmacist.
• If you cannot get to a pharmacy right away:
• Take the next light yellow, orange or red pill in the order that you are due to take, following the proper order of the pills as shown in this image below:

and contact your pharmacist for a replacement as soon as possible. Do not miss a pill, take one out of the proper order, or take two pills at the same time.

• If you have already missed a pill, have no more pills of the proper colour, or if you are unsure which one to take, use a non-hormonal effective method of birth control (such as condoms) and contact your pharmacist as soon as possible.
• Packages that do not have missing or mispackaged pills do not need to be returned.
• Talk to a health care professional if you have questions or concerns about your birth control product, including about missed pills and back-up options.

You should also:

• Contact Aspen Pharmacare Canada Inc. by email at can.quality@aspenpharma.com, or by calling 1-844-330-1213, if you have questions about the recall.
• Report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.

What should pharmacists and other medical professionals do?

• Health care professionals such as pharmacists are recommended to check Linessa 21 packages before dispensing (regardless of the lot) to make sure pills are not missing or mispackaged.
• Report any unusual packages to the company and to Health Canada.

Learn more about Linessa birth control pills

1. Linessa 21 and 28 day Birth Control in Canada Explained(Opens in a new browser tab)
2. Birth Control Linessa and Alesse Pills Compared(Opens in a new browser tab)
3. How to take Linessa birth control?(Opens in a new browser tab)
4. Linessa 21 day and Linessa 28 day Side Effects(Opens in a new browser tab)
5. Linessa 21 day and Linessa 28 day Side Effects(Opens in a new browser tab)

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