Urgent warning issued to patients taking common blood pressure drug amid labelling error

Patients taking a common high blood pressure drug are being advised to check their medication after the manufacturer reported an error in the strength of the dose printed on some packs. One batch of Lercanidipine, produced by Recordati Pharmaceuticals, is labelled as containing 10mg tablets when it actually contains 20mg.

The correct dosage is printed on the top of the box and on the blister strips, according to a warning issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

As a "precautionary measure", patients are being urged to look for the batch number MD4L07 with an expiry date of January 2028.

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Over 7,700 packs affected by the recall have been distributed, the MHRA has revealed.

Those who have already been prescribed medication from this batch should get in touch with their GP or pharmacist immediately, or dial 111 if they cannot be reached.

If contacting a healthcare professional is not possible, the MHRA advises patients to verify the strength of the tablet using the information on the foil of the blister strip.

Those who have been prescribed 10mg should take half a 20mg tablet as a temporary solution until they can consult their GP or pharmacist.

Lercanidipine is a calcium channel blocker, which operates by preventing calcium from entering the heart and blood vessel muscles, aiding in the relaxation of blood vessels and reduction of .

Overdoing it on certain medications can cause an accelerated or erratic heart rate, not to mention dizziness and a tendency to feel sleepy.

Dr Alison Cave, the Chief Safety Officer at MHRA, emphasised: "Patient safety is our top priority. We ask patients to check their medicine packaging and follow our advice."

Pharmacists and other healthcare providers have been urged to cease dispensing drugs from the impacted batch and to send them back to the supplier.

She also encouraged: "Please report any suspected adverse reactions via the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme."