Several oral contraceptives have been recalled by Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, a generic drugmaker from Alabama, because a number of lot numbers and expiration dates are not visible due to a packaging error.

The recalled oral contraceptives had a blister that had been turned 180 degrees on the card it was packed on, resulting in a reversal of the weekly tablet orientation and obscurity of the expiration date and lot number, the company said.

The recall involves 1.4 million packages.

A Qualitest spokesperson warned that the affected products might not protect the woman from pregnancy.

The following products have been recalled: Emoquette Orsythia Previfem Tri-Previfem Cyclafem 1/35 Cyclafem 7/7/7 Gildess FE 1/20 Gildess FE 1.5/30 A full list can be found at this web page. However, today I have not been able to access this page or any pages of Qualitest's web site.

Company spokesman Kevin Wiggins, said:

"There are no immediate health issues currently. The unintended consequence of pregnancy is really the issue. That's why the company took a drastic action."

If you have been using any of the affected products, make sure you use a non-hormonal contraception and check with a health care professional.

Concerned customers can call 1-877-300-6153 from 8am to 5pm CT.

Qualitest says it is liaising with authorities at a very high level, as well as manufacturers to find out why the error occurred.