In Analysis

Follow this topic

Bookmark

Record learning outcomes

A batch of blood pressure medicines has been recalled by its manufacturer after a patient notified a pharmacy that a pack labelled Ramipril 5mg Capsules contained blister strips of Amlodipine 5mg Tablets.

The Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency said Crescent Pharma Limited recalled the batch of Ramipril 5mg Capsules (number GR164099) as a precaution “because a potential manufacturing error may have led to two blood pressure medicines being packaged incorrectly".

The MHRA advised pharmacy and healthcare professionals to return all remaining stock to their suppliers.

"Both blood pressure medications are produced by the same manufacturer, at the same site, and the error appears to have occurred during secondary packaging of the blister strips into the cartons," the MHRA said.

The regulator said the "risk to patients of the accidental substitution of one widely used blood pressure medication for another was low", citing "dizziness related to low blood pressure" as the most likely side effect.

Shareen Doak, the MHRA's deputy director, benefit-risk evaluation, urged patients taking Ramipril to check the packaging for batch number GR164099 and ensure 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," she said. "If the carton contains blister strips that are correctly labelled as Ramipril 5mg Capsules, you do not need to take further action."