Drugs commonly used by the NHS recalled due to ‘increased risk of cancer’

“It is important that health professionals check their stock”

Despite the risk, the MHRA has advised that even if you are currently taking a prescription containing these medications, you will continue to take your medications.

If you are concerned that your medicine may be infected, you should contact your GP and discuss this with your doctor.

At this time (June 17), there is no reason to believe that a patient has been harmed by possible contamination and the medical regulator is recalling tablets as a precaution.

Pharmacists and wholesalers have been contacted and so far, this is not a patient recall. The affected lot numbers can be found on the NHS website.

Dr June Raine, Executive Director of the MHRA, said: “Patient safety is our watchword.

“We are recalling lots of certain products containing sartan as a precautionary measure as we continue our investigation.

“It is important that healthcare professionals check their stock to be quarantined and return these lots.

“If you have taken any of the affected products, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before stopping any treatment – they can address all of your concerns and can advise you on the best course of action.”

The MHRA continues to work with other health regulators to manage the current situation and is reviewing further recalls of these types of products, which took place in 2018 and 2019.

Due to the minor risk to patient health from possible contamination, patients are advised to continue taking their medication as blood pressure needs to be regulated.

Failure to do so could result in high blood pressure, which could prove to be problematic and require additional medical attention.