Barr Laboratories has recently recalled a specific lot number of Apri birth control pills as a result of a possible improper sequence of active and placebo pills.

The improperly sequenced packs of Apri from lot No. 590434045, expiring in December 2006, have the white placebo pill in week one rather than week four, said JoAnna Moyer, director of the Women's Health Department at University Health Services.

In the correct pack of Apri, the first three weeks should have rose-colored tablets and the fourth week should have white tablets, Moyer said.

A woman who takes Apri with the improper pill sequence has an increased risk of getting pregnant, and she may experience irregular bleeding, Moyer said.

Women who bought Apri pills from this lot, between December and early March, can probably take the pills if the colors are correct, Moyer said.

"If not, they need to return them," she said. "They have the option of returning any pills from that lot.

"They should use a backup method [of contraception] until they've taken seven consecutive pills of the correct [rose] color," Moyer added.

For more information about the recall, contact Barr Laboratories at 1-800-222-0190 or the Women's Health Department at 863-2633.