Blood pressure drug recalled after error: Health Canada
listen to this article
approx 2 minutes
The audio version of this article has been generated by AI-based technology. There may be mispronunciations. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve results.
a blowOD Pressure medicine has been recalled after a mix-up may have caused some bottles to contain the wrong medicine.
According to Health Canada, Markan Pharmaceuticals Inc. has recalled two lots of MAR-Amlodipine 5 mg tablets, which are used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain.
This is because some bottles may instead contain 2.5 mg tablets of midodrine, a medicine used to treat low blood pressure.
Patients can check whether they have received the wrong medicine by looking at the pills.
5 mg MAR-Amlodipine tablets are white or off-white, flat and eight-sided, with a line through the middle and the numbers 210 and 5 printed on one side.
Midodrine 2.5 mg Table ARE is white, round and says M2 on one side, with a line down the middle on the other side.
‘serious side effects’
Health Canada says patients should return any bottles containing the round tablets to their pharmacy and get a replacement.
according to its public advice, Substituting amlodipine with midodrine “may cause serious side effects such as dangerous increases in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and organ damage.”
Anyone experiencing dizziness, usually high blood pressure or a slow heartbeat, is advised to seek medical attention from a health care professional or call 911.
Health Canada says anyone experiencing chest pain, a sudden headache, slurred speech or the inability to move or feel any part of their body should seek immediate medical attention.
