Health officials have issued an urgent recall for a batch of a commonly prescribed blood pressure medication after a potentially dangerous packaging mistake was discovered.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned patients taking ramipril 2.5mg capsules manufactured by Crescent Pharma Limited to check their medication immediately after reports emerged that some packs may contain capsules that are four times stronger than indicated on the label.
What Went Wrong?
According to the MHRA, a healthcare professional discovered two blister strips of ramipril 10mg capsules inside a sealed carton labelled as ramipril 2.5mg.
The affected medication belongs to batch number GR155023. Officials believe the issue is limited to this specific batch, but patients are being urged to carefully inspect their medication packaging as a precaution.
Because ramipril is prescribed in different strengths depending on a patient’s condition and medical history, accidentally taking a higher dose could potentially lead to unwanted side effects.
Why the Recall Matters
Ramipril is one of the most widely prescribed medications used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and to reduce the risk of future heart attacks and strokes.
The medication works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Millions of patients worldwide rely on the drug as part of their long-term treatment plans.
Medical experts warn that taking a higher-than-prescribed dose could cause blood pressure to fall too low, potentially resulting in dizziness, fainting, weakness, confusion or kidney-related complications. Older adults and people with existing health conditions may face a greater risk of adverse effects.
What Patients Should Do
The MHRA is advising anyone who has received Crescent Pharma ramipril 2.5mg capsules to locate the batch number on the outer carton and compare the strength listed on the box with the information printed on the blister strips inside.
If the carton contains blister strips labelled as ramipril 10mg capsules, patients should stop taking the medication immediately and contact their pharmacy for advice and replacement medication.
However, if both the carton and blister strips correctly show ramipril 2.5mg, patients can continue taking the medicine as prescribed.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Health officials are also urging patients to speak with a healthcare professional if they believe they may have accidentally taken the stronger capsules and are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, unusual fatigue or other side effects.
Doctors may recommend additional monitoring or tests depending on an individual’s medical history and the amount of medication taken.
Common Side Effects of Ramipril
Even when taken correctly, ramipril can cause side effects in some patients. The most commonly reported include a persistent dry cough, headaches, dizziness, diarrhoea, vomiting and mild skin rashes.
More serious symptoms, including yellowing of the eyes or skin, severe abdominal pain, blood in the urine, swollen ankles or unexplained bleeding, should be assessed by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Pharmacies and healthcare providers have been instructed to stop supplying the affected batch and return any remaining stock to suppliers while the investigation continues.
