Millions of people open this package every day without suspecting that what is inside may not be exactly what their doctor prescribed. That is why health officials have issued an urgent warning.
This is not a rare drug, nor a medicine taken only occasionally. It is part of daily treatment for a huge number of patients, including people with heart-related conditions.
What has caused the greatest concern is that the mistake may not be obvious to an ordinary patient. The box may look correct, but some of the blister strips inside could contain a different dosage.
The medicine in question is Ramipril 2.5mg, manufactured by Crescent Pharma Limited. It is a popular medication prescribed for high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart failure, and also after a heart attack. According to UK reports, around three million prescriptions for this medicine are issued every month in the United Kingdom.
The regulator, the MHRA, has announced the recall of a specific batch because packs of Ramipril 2.5mg may mistakenly contain blister strips with Ramipril 10mg capsules. This means a patient who believes they are taking their usual dose could in fact be taking a much stronger one.
The affected batch is identified by the code GR155023. This is the number patients are being urged to look for on the outer carton. They should also carefully check whether the strength printed on the box matches the wording on the blister strips inside.
If the carton says Ramipril 2.5mg but the blister strips inside are labelled Ramipril 10mg, the medicine should not be taken. Patients are advised to take the leaflet supplied with the medicine, along with any remaining capsules, to their pharmacy or GP practice for advice.
The danger is that a higher dose may cause unpleasant and potentially risky symptoms. These can include dizziness, light-headedness, feeling faint, unusual tiredness, changes in kidney function, and a fast or irregular heartbeat.
Vulnerable patients should be especially careful, including older people and those with long-term heart or kidney conditions. If any symptoms appear after taking the medicine, health officials advise patients not to wait, but to seek medical advice.
The MHRA has also instructed pharmacies and healthcare professionals to stop supplying the affected batch immediately and return all remaining stock to their suppliers. If the blister strips inside are correctly labelled as Crescent Pharma Limited Ramipril 2.5mg, patients do not need to take any further action and should continue taking their medicine as usual.
