Pharmacists and patients using a widely prescribed blood pressure medication are being advised to check their medication packaging immediately. Crescent Pharma Limited is recalling a specific batch of Ramipril 5mg Capsules as a precautionary measure due to a possible manufacturing error that might have led to the wrong medication being packaged.

A pharmacy flagged the issue when a patient discovered that a package labeled as Ramipril 5mg Capsules (batch number GR164099) actually contained blister strips of Amlodipine 5mg Tablets. Both of these hypertension medications are produced by the same company at the same facility, and it is believed that the mix-up occurred during the packaging process.

Individuals prescribed Ramipril should check their medication packaging for batch number GR164099. If the blister strips inside are labeled “Amlodipine,” they should return the package to their pharmacy. According to a statement on Gov.uk, the risk of patients receiving an incorrect blood pressure medication is considered low.

The most common side effect could be dizziness, resulting from decreased blood pressure. The NHS notes that Ramipril is frequently used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

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Ramipril is also known to enhance survival rates for individuals with heart failure or those recovering from a heart attack, according to The Mirror. Shareen Doak, Deputy Director of Benefit-Risk Evaluation at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), advises: “If you are taking Ramipril, inspect the packaging for the batch number GR164099. You can find the batch number and expiration date on the outer carton. Ensure that the medication name on the box matches the blister strips inside.”

“If the carton contains blister strips that are labelled as Amlodipine 5mg tablets, contact your dispensing pharmacy. If the carton contains blister strips that are correctly labelled as Ramipril 5mg Capsules, you do not need to take further action.

“If you have an affected pack and think you may have taken the Amlodipine 5mg Tablets that were supplied in error, and you are currently experiencing any side effects, then please seek immediate medical advice. Please take the leaflet that came with your medicine and any remaining tablets with you to your pharmacy or GP practice.

“If you’ve already taken Amlodipine, please be reassured that there is a very low risk to your health. Both medications are used to treat high blood pressure.

“However because your body may not be used to a different type of medicine, your blood pressure may become lower than normal, and you may experience dizziness because of taking amlodipine. Any suspected adverse reactions should also be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.”

The MHRA has instructed pharmacy and healthcare professionals to return any remaining stock to their suppliers. The MHRA is tasked with regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK, ensuring they are effective and meet acceptable safety standards.