Patients who use Lercanidipine HCI 20mg tablets have been urged to check their medication after a labelling error that could impact the correct dosage. This warning follows the identification of a mistake in the packaging, which could lead to patients unknowingly taking the wrong strength of the medication.
The affected medication, Lercanidipine hydrochloride, is manufactured by Recordati Pharmaceuticals Limited and is commonly used to treat high blood pressure. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued an advisory asking patients to check the batch number of their medication. Specifically, patients who have Lercanidipine HCI 20mg tablets with batch number MD4L07, which has an expiry date of 01/2028, should be especially vigilant.
The error in question involves the packaging being incorrectly labelled as containing 10mg tablets, when in fact, the tablets are 20mg. Although the correct strength is printed on the blister strips and the top of the carton, this mistake could lead patients to mistakenly assume they are taking a 10mg dose when they are actually consuming a 20mg dose, doubling their intended medication intake.
As a precautionary measure, the manufacturer has recalled the affected batch, although the issue is limited to this specific lot. Patients who are prescribed 10mg tablets from this batch are advised to immediately contact their GP or pharmacist to resolve the issue. If a healthcare professional cannot be reached, patients are urged to call the NHS 111 service for guidance. In the meantime, patients who cannot confirm the correct dosage before taking their next pill should verify whether the tablets are 20mg by checking the blister strips or carton, and if they confirm the higher dose, they should split the tablet in half along the designated break line as a temporary solution.
The MHRA has emphasized that patient safety is its top priority, and Dr. Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, reassured the public that healthcare professionals are actively involved in addressing the situation. She urged patients to follow the advice provided by the agency to ensure their safety and avoid any confusion over their medication. In addition, pharmacists have been instructed to stop supplying the affected batch and return any remaining stock to the manufacturer.
For patients who may have already consumed the incorrect dosage, the MHRA is urging them to report any adverse reactions through the Yellow Card Scheme. This reporting system allows patients to share information about side effects or any health issues they may have experienced as a result of the incorrect medication. This initiative will help the MHRA monitor the situation more effectively and prevent any further health risks associated with the error.
In summary, the warning serves as an important reminder for patients to regularly check the labels on their medications, particularly when any issues arise that could impact the safety of the medication. In this case, the labelling error regarding Lercanidipine tablets highlights the potential for confusion in dosage instructions, which could lead to serious health consequences if left unaddressed. By following the MHRA’s guidance and contacting a healthcare professional, patients can ensure they are taking the correct medication and mitigate any risks associated with the labelling issue.
