Health Alert: Important Recall of Blood Pressure Medication

Health Canada has announced that Marcan Pharmaceuticals Inc. has recalled two lots of MAR-Amlodipine 5 milligram tablets, which are prescribed for hypertension and chest pain. This recall was initiated due to a mix-up that may have led to some bottles containing the wrong medication.

The issue arises because some bottles may have been filled with 2.5-milligram tablets of midodrine, a drug used to treat low blood pressure, instead of Amlodipine, which is intended for the management of high blood pressure.

 Fortunately, the two medications can be identified by their distinct shapes.

– MAR-Amlodipine 5 milligram tablets: Are white or off-white, flat, eight-sided, and have a line in the middle, with the numbers 210 and 5 printed on one side.

– Midodrine 2.5 milligram tablets: Are white, round, have “M2” printed on one side, and a line across the middle on the other side.

Warning: Taking the wrong medication can lead to serious side effects.

Health Canada advises patients to return any bottles containing the round midodrine tablets to their pharmacy and obtain a replacement. The advisory states that substituting Amlodipine with midodrine “can lead to serious side effects such as a dangerous increase in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and organ damage.”

Anyone experiencing dizziness, elevated blood pressure, or a slow heartbeat should contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately.

Additionally, individuals with chest pain, sudden headaches, impaired speech, or loss of movement or sensation in any part of their body should seek immediate medical attention.

*****