The MHRA has advised pharmacy and healthcare professionals to return all remaining stock to their suppliers
16:24, 06 Mar 2026Updated 18:16, 06 Mar 2026
Precautionary recall of blood pressure medication after packaging error (stock image)(Image: Getty)
Pharmacies and patients who use a widely prescribed high blood pressure medication are being asked to urgently check the packaging. Crescent Pharma Limited is recalling one batch of Ramipril 5mg Capsules as a precautionary measure due to a potential manufacturing error that may have led to two blood pressure medicines being packaged incorrectly.
A pharmacy filed a complaint after a patient reported that a pack labelled Ramipril 5mg Capsules (batch number GR164099) contained blister strips of Amlodipine 5mg Tablets inside the sealed box. Both of these blood pressure medicines are made by the same company at the same facility, and it has been reported that the mistake likely occurred when the blister strips were being placed into the cartons.
Patients who use Ramipril should check the packaging for the batch number GR164099 and return any packs with blister strips labelled “Amlodipine” to their pharmacist. A statement on Gov.uk says the chance of patients accidentally getting one common blood pressure medicine instead of another is low.
The most common side effect could be dizziness from low blood pressure. According to the NHS, Ramipril is a medicine widely used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It’s also prescribed after a heart attack. Ramipril helps prevent future strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. It also improves your survival if you’re taking it for heart failure or after a heart attack.
Shareen Doak, Deputy Director, Benefit-Risk Evaluation, at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said: “If you take Ramipril, check the packaging for batch number GR164099. The batch number and expiry date information can be found on the outer carton. If you have received this batch, check that the medication name on the carton matches the blister strips inside.
A patient reported that a pack labelled Ramipril 5mg Capsules contained blister strips of Amlodipine (stock image)
“If the carton contains blister strips that are labelled as Amlodipine 5mg tablets, contact your dispensing pharmacy. If the carton contains blister strips that are correctly labelled as Ramipril 5mg Capsules, you do not need to take further action.
“If you have an affected pack and think you may have taken the Amlodipine 5mg Tablets that were supplied in error, and you are currently experiencing any side effects, then please seek immediate medical advice. Please take the leaflet that came with your medicine and any remaining tablets with you to your pharmacy or GP practice.
“If you’ve already taken Amlodipine, please be reassured that there is a very low risk to your health. Both medications are used to treat high blood pressure.
“However because your body may not be used to a different type of medicine, your blood pressure may become lower than normal, and you may experience dizziness because of taking amlodipine. Any suspected adverse reactions should also be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.”
The MHRA has advised pharmacy and healthcare professionals to return all remaining stock to their suppliers. The MHRA is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they are effective and acceptably safe.