Thousands of Brits taking commonly prescribed blood pressure medications have been issued an urgent warning after several products were recalled. A batch of Lercanidipine Hydrochloride 10mg tablets has been recalled by Accord-UK Ltd after a packaging mistake resulted in tablets of the wrong strength being placed in some packs.
The medication is widely prescribed across the UK to help control high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, by relaxing and widening blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow around the body. Hundreds of thousands of people rely on the treatment each year to manage the condition and reduce the risk of serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
Packaging defect discovered
A complaint submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) revealed that one affected pack contained a strip of the correct 10mg tablets alongside a strip of 20mg tablets, raising concerns about patients receiving the wrong dose.
Health officials warned that if someone prescribed a 10mg daily dose were to take 20mg tablets instead for a two-week period, they could experience an increased pharmacological effect from the medication. This may result in a greater-than-expected drop in blood pressure, potentially causing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, flushing, heart palpitations and symptomatic hypotension.
Low overall risk assessed
The recall is currently being carried out at pharmacy and wholesaler level, as health officials have assessed the overall risk to patients as low. Authorities said this is because the 20mg tablets remain within the approved dosing range for the medication, the two strengths can be distinguished by their different colours, and reports of the packaging defect are believed to be extremely limited.
Patients who have been prescribed Lercanidipine Hydrochloride 10mg and have received packs from batch number M2510877 are being advised to inspect the blister strips carefully to ensure the tablets match their prescribed dosage. Patients who find only blister strips labelled Lercanidipine Hydrochloride 10mg inside their pack do not need to take any further action.
What patients should do
Anyone who discovers blister strips marked as 20mg is being advised not to take the medication and to contact their pharmacist for guidance. People who experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, flushing or heart palpitations should seek medical attention without delay.
Any suspected side effects or adverse reactions can also be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, which monitors the safety of medicines across the UK.
