Health authorities have issued an urgent recall of specific batches of Ramipril, a widely prescribed blood pressure medication, due to concerns over patient safety. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that certain 2.5mg capsules of Ramipril, manufactured by Crescent Pharma Limited, may inadvertently contain blister strips of the higher 10mg dose.
What Patients Should Do
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, advised: 'If you take Crescent Pharma Limited Ramipril 2.5mg capsules, check the packaging for batch number GR155023. The batch number and expiry date information can be found on the outer carton. If you have received this batch, check that the medication strength on the carton matches the blister strips inside.'
'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.'
Potential Side Effects
Patients who have taken the incorrect dose may experience symptoms such as lightheadedness, fainting, fatigue, or altered kidney function. Vulnerable patients could face more serious consequences. Dr Cave added: 'If you have an affected pack or previously received this batch and you believe you have taken any Ramipril 10mg capsules that were included in error and are currently experiencing any side effects, please seek medical advice.'
'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.'
Further Actions
The MHRA has instructed pharmacy and healthcare professionals to stop supplying the impacted batch and return all remaining stock to their suppliers. Patients are urged to take their medicine leaflet and any remaining tablets to their pharmacy or GP practice. Suspected side effects should be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Ramipril is prescribed to approximately three million Britons annually for conditions including high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart failure. This is a developing story, and more details will follow.
