Birth control pills recalled due to possible reduced effectiveness

The pharmaceutical company behind the birth control pill Tydemy is recalling two batches of the drug because they may have reduced effectiveness.

The pharmaceutical company behind the birth control pill Tydemy is recalling two batches of the drug because they may have reduced effectiveness.

Lupin, the New Jersey-based drugmaker, announced Saturday that it was recalling the batches after tests showed the pills had decreased levels of ascorbic acid, an inactive ingredient, and high levels of a "known impurity."

"This could potentially impact the effectiveness of the product which could potentially result in unexpected pregnancy," the company's announcement said.

The Food and Drug Administration similarly warned consumers on Tuesday that the low levels of ascorbic acid — better known as vitamin C — in the Tydemy pills could reduce their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

However, Lupin and the FDA said they have “not received any reports of adverse events” related to use of the pills.