Urgent recall warning for common blood pressure medication after 'packaging error'
The recall comes after a healthcare professional issued a complaint.
A common blood pressure medication is being urgently recalled after it was found to contain a higher dose by mistake.
Crescent Pharma Limited has issued the “precautionary measure” due to a potential packaging error, which may mean some cartons of Ramipril Capsules 2.5mg contain blister strips of a higher dose of Ramipril Capsules 10mg.
Ramipril is a medicine used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney disease and heart failure. Around one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure, according to the latest figures from Blood Pressure UK, with millions taking daily medications to control their symptoms.
What medication has been recalled?
Crescent Pharma Limited is recalling one batch of Ramipril 2.5mg capsules as a precautionary measure due to a packaging error which may mean some cartons contain blister strips of a higher dose of Ramipril 10mg.
It comes after a healthcare professional issued a complaint after finding two blister strips of Ramipril 10mg capsules inside a sealed carton of Crescent Pharma Limited Ramipril 2.5mg. Both products were manufactured at the same site, and the error appears to have occurred during packaging.
What if you take this medication?
Patients who take Ramipril are advised to check if their pack has the recalled batch number GR155023 and that the medication strength on the carton matches the blister strips inside.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: “If the 2.5mg carton of Crescent Pharma Limited Ramipril contains blister strips that are labelled as Ramipril 10mg capsules, do not take the medicine and contact your dispensing pharmacy. If the carton contains blister strips that are correctly labelled as Crescent Pharma Limited Ramipril 2.5mg capsules, you do not need to take further action and should continue to take your medicine as usual.”
If you believe you have taken any Ramipril 10mg capsules that were included by error and are currently experiencing any side effects, seek medical advice.
Dr Cave said: “Signs and symptoms may include feeling lightheaded, fainting or being fatigued, or altered kidney function and may be more serious for vulnerable patients. Any possible impact of taking a higher dose of ramipril should be assessed by a healthcare professional to determine whether any examination or tests are needed.
“If you have this batch of medicine, please take the leaflet that came with your medicine and any remaining tablets with you to your pharmacy or GP practice.”
You can find out more information about the medication recall at MHRA.