Common blood pressure medication recalled over contamination fears
The drugs watchdog has recalled a common blood pressure medication over contamination fears.
A notice concerning Irbesartan-containing medicinal products has been issued due to ‘contamination with an impurity that could potentially increase the risk of cancer over time’.
According to the NHS, the medication is used to help prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems in patients with high blood pressure.
It’s taken on a daily basis in tablet form and is only available on prescription.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said 25 batches of tablets were being pulled as a ‘precautionary measure’.
Health officials said they wanted to prevent further use but stressed there is ‘no evidence that this impurity has caused any harm to patients’.
The recall notice is for pharmacies and wholesalers, not individual patients.
People who have been prescribed the medication are being urged not to suddenly stop taking it because such a move would be ‘risky’.
The MHRA says it is working with the health department to ensure an ‘adequate supply of these products remains available for patients’.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, said: ‘Patient safety is at the heart of what we do.
‘We’re recalling batches of certain sartan-containing products as a precautionary measure while we continue our investigation.
‘It’s important that healthcare professionals check their stock to quarantine and return these batches.
‘If you’ve been taking one of the affected products, continue to take your medication.
‘Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before stopping any treatment – they can address any concerns and can advise you on the best course of action.
‘Previous recalls of these types of products in 2018, 2019 and June 2021 are part of an ongoing investigation. The MHRA is working with other medicines regulators on this issue.’
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