A nationwide recall has been issued for blood pressure medication due to a packaging error that could lead to incorrect dosing, posing risks to patients with high blood pressure.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a recall of over 7,700 packs of lercanidipine tablets due to incorrect labelling. The affected packs have been distributed across the UK and contain 20mg pills that were mistakenly labelled as 10mg.
Lercanidipine is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and angina.
It works by relaxing the muscles of the heart and blood vessels, allowing for improved blood flow and reduced blood pressure.
Lercanidipine is available in oral tablet form and is typically taken once or twice daily.
Common side effects include dizziness, headaches, and swelling in the legs.
In 1997, lercanidipine was approved for use in the European Union and has since been used to treat hypertension worldwide.
What’s at Risk?
Patients who take ‘high blood pressure’ are being urged to check their medication, especially if they have been prescribed 20mg tablets. The incorrect strength can make patients feel dizzy and sleepy. Those who have been prescribed 10mg tablets should seek medical advice immediately.
Blood pressure pills, also known as antihypertensive medications, are prescribed to lower high blood pressure.
They work by either reducing the amount of fluid in the body or relaxing blood vessels.
Common types include diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors.
According to the American Heart Association, taking medication as directed can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
Statistics show that nearly 1 in 5 adults take antihypertensive medications worldwide.
How Was the Error Discovered?
The error was discovered by ‘Italian pharmaceutical firm Recordati’ , which informed the MHRA that a batch of lercanidipine had been incorrectly labelled as containing 10mg tablets when they actually contain 20mg pills. The affected packs carry the batch number MD4L07 and have an expiry date of January 2028.
What Should Patients Do?
Patients who have been prescribed 20mg tablets should verify that they have the correct strength by checking the printing on the blister strips, inside and on some of the boxes. Those who have been prescribed 10mg tablets should seek medical advice immediately. If patients cannot speak to a medical professional, they can take half a 20mg tablet as a temporary measure.
Medication verification is a process that ensures patients receive the correct medication and dosage.
It involves checking the patient's medical history, allergies, and current medications to prevent adverse reactions.
According to the FDA, medication errors result in approximately 1.3 million hospitalizations each year.
To combat this issue, many pharmacies now use barcode scanning technology to verify prescriptions.
Additionally, electronic health records (EHRs) help healthcare providers track patient medications and interactions.
What’s Being Done?
Healthcare professionals are being asked to stop supplying medicine from the affected batch and return it to the supplier. The MHRA is also advising anyone who experiences ‘suspected adverse reactions’ to report them via the Yellow Card scheme.
High blood pressure can lead to serious problems such as heart attacks or strokes, but lifestyle changes and medication can help people remain healthy. Lercanidipine is a calcium channel blocker that works by making it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body.
