Health Canada recalled two lots of MAR-Amlodipine 5 mg after some bottles were found to contain the wrong drug.
The affected lots are 2472021 and 2472021A with expiry July 2027 and DIN 02371715.
Some bottles may contain midodrine 2.5 mg, a drug that raises blood pressure instead of lowering it.
Taking the wrong medication can cause dangerously high blood pressure, dizziness, slow heart rate and organ damage.
Patients should check pill markings immediately and return affected bottles to their pharmacy if tablets appear round or marked “M2.”
OTTAWA: On February 7, Health Canada has issued a nationwide recall of two lots of MAR-Amlodipine 5 mg tablets after discovering that some bottles may contain the wrong medication, potentially exposing patients to serious health risks.
The affected product, manufactured by Marcan Pharmaceuticals Inc., carries Drug Identification Number 02371715 and includes lot numbers 2472021 and 2472021A, both with an expiry date of July 2027.
Health Canada warned that certain bottles labelled as MAR-Amlodipine 5 mg may instead contain midodrine hydrochloride 2.5 mg tablets. Amlodipine is prescribed to lower high blood pressure and treat chest pain, while midodrine is used to raise low blood pressure. Taking midodrine instead of amlodipine could sharply increase a patient’s blood pressure, reversing the intended treatment effect.
According to Health Canada’s advisory, consuming midodrine unintentionally may cause dangerously high blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, slow heart rate, headaches and potential organ damage. Some patients may not immediately feel symptoms even if their blood pressure rises significantly.
The risk may be greater for children and individuals with certain medical conditions, including pheochromocytoma, glaucoma or hyperthyroidism.
Health officials emphasized that patients who experience chest pain, sudden severe headache, vision changes, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Health Canada is urging patients to check their medication carefully.
Correct MAR-Amlodipine 5 mg tablets are white to off-white, flat and eight-sided, marked with “210” on one side and “5” on the other.
The incorrectly packaged midodrine tablets are white, round and marked with “M2.” They also feature a score line across the middle on the reverse side.
Patients who notice round tablets in their bottle should stop taking the medication and return it to their pharmacy for replacement.
Marcan Pharmaceuticals Inc. initiated the recall after identifying the labelling and packaging error. Health Canada is monitoring the recall and working with the manufacturer to implement corrective and preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
Pharmacists and health care professionals have been instructed to inspect all bottles of MAR-Amlodipine 5 mg before dispensing and to report any unusual findings to both the manufacturer and Health Canada.
Health Canada advises anyone taking MAR-Amlodipine 5 mg to verify the lot number and tablet appearance immediately. Patients should not discontinue blood pressure medication abruptly without consulting a health care provider, but they should speak to a pharmacist or physician if they suspect they have received the wrong drug.
Adverse reactions or medication incidents can also be reported directly to Health Canada.
(Rh/ARC)