All pharmacies and patients who use the widely prescribed medication have been told to urgently check the packaging
Pharmacies and patients using a commonly prescribed high blood pressure medication are being advised to urgently check the packaging. Crescent Pharma Limited is recalling one batch of Ramipril 5mg Capsules as a precaution due to a potential manufacturing error that may have resulted in two different blood pressure medicines being incorrectly packaged.
The recall was initiated after a pharmacy lodged a complaint when a patient reported that a pack labelled Ramipril 5mg Capsules (batch number GR164099) contained blister strips of Amlodipine 5mg Tablets inside the sealed box. Both medications are produced by the same company at the same facility, and it’s believed the error likely occurred during the packaging process.
Patients who use Ramipril are advised to inspect the packaging for the batch number GR164099 and return any packs with blister strips labelled “Amlodipine” to their pharmacist. According to a statement on Gov.uk, the likelihood of patients inadvertently receiving one common blood pressure medicine instead of another is low, the Mirror reports.
The most frequent side effect could be dizziness due to low blood pressure. The NHS states that Ramipril is a widely used medication for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure, and is also prescribed following a heart attack.
Ramipril aids in preventing future strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems, and improves survival rates if taken for heart failure or post-heart attack. Shareen Doak, Deputy Director, Benefit-Risk Evaluation, at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a statement.
It reads: “If you take Ramipril, check the packaging for batch number GR164099. The batch number and expiry date information can be found on the outer carton. If you have received this batch, check that the medication name on the carton matches the blister strips inside.
“If the carton contains blister strips that are labelled as Amlodipine 5mg tablets, contact your dispensing pharmacy.
“If the carton contains blister strips that are correctly labelled as Ramipril 5mg Capsules, you do not need to take further action.
“If you have an affected pack and think you may have taken the Amlodipine 5mg Tablets that were supplied in error, and you are currently experiencing any side effects, then please seek immediate medical advice.
“Please take the leaflet that came with your medicine and any remaining tablets with you to your pharmacy or GP practice.
“If you’ve already taken Amlodipine, please be reassured that there is a very low risk to your health. Both medications are used to treat high blood pressure.
“However because your body may not be used to a different type of medicine, your blood pressure may become lower than normal, and you may experience dizziness because of taking amlodipine.
“Any suspected adverse reactions should also be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.”
The MHRA has instructed pharmacy and healthcare professionals to send back all remaining stock to their suppliers.
The regulator oversees all medicines and medical devices in the UK, ensuring they meet standards for effectiveness and acceptable safety.