The Recall Desk
LowFDA (Drugs)·D-0321-2024·Announced 2024-02-21

Nortrel Oral Contraceptive Tablets Recalled for Discolored Inert Remainder Tablets

Teva Pharmaceuticals is recalling 12,916 cartons of Nortrel oral contraceptive tablets nationwide due to discolored inert remainder tablets that may cause confusion. Affected lot: #100042978, expiration 7/31/2024.

What this means for you

Cosmetic or documentation issue. No expected health impact, but the manufacturer is correcting the affected products.

Our severity reasoning: FDA Class III recall with no reported illnesses or injuries. The hazard is purely cosmetic discoloration of inert remainder tablets. Per the severity rubric, FDA Class III recalls are typically scored 1–2, and cosmetic defects score 1.

Plain-English summary

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. is recalling 12,916 cartons of Nortrel (norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol) 0.5/35 mg tablets nationwide. The affected lot is #100042978 with an expiration date of July 31, 2024. Each carton contains three blister cards with 28 tablets per card. The recalled cartons contain discolored tablets in shades of blue mixed in with the white inert remainder tablets.

The inert remainder tablets serve as a visual marker to help patients maintain proper medication sequencing. Discolored inert tablets may cause confusion about which tablets are active versus inactive when taking their medication.

Patients currently taking Nortrel should check their blister pack for the affected lot number and expiration date. Patients should contact their pharmacist or healthcare provider if they have questions about whether their medication is part of the recall. Patients should continue taking their medication as prescribed.

The recalled product

Product
NORTREL (NORETHINDRONE AND ETHINYL ESTRADIOL)
Brand
NORTREL
Manufacturer
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc
Hazard
  • discoloration

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (2)

  • Lot #: 100042978
  • Exp 7/31/2024

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.