People who take a blood pressure medication have been warned about an issue that may require them to take immediate action. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued an alert on Thursday announcing that Crescent Pharma Limited is recalling one batch of Ramipril 2.5mg capsules as a precautionary measure.
Packaging Error Details
The recall follows a packaging error which may mean some cartons contain blister strips of a higher dose, specifically Ramipril 10mg. The MHRA said that the recall was initiated after a complaint in which a healthcare professional discovered two blister strips of Ramipril 10mg capsules inside a sealed carton of Crescent Pharma Limited Ramipril 2.5mg capsules. Both product batches were manufactured at the same facility, and the error appears to have taken place during the packaging of the cartons.
What Patients Should Do
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: "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.
"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.
"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. Any suspected side effects should also be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme."
Background on Ramipril
Ramipril is a medication prescribed for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney disease and heart failure. The MHRA confirmed it has instructed pharmacy and healthcare professionals to halt the supply of the affected batch and return all remaining stock to their suppliers.
