Is your blood pressure medication safe? Shocking recall of 600,000 bottles could affect you!
- Replies 0
As we age, health concerns start popping up that cause the need to take different medications. With that, it’s crucial that these medications are also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, some medications are able to be released on the market even if they’re not 100% safe–in cases like this, recalls happen. In a startling development that may concern many in our community, a massive recall has been issued for a commonly prescribed blood pressure medication.
Over 600,000 bottles of Ramipril, a medication integral to the health regimen of more than 2.4 million Americans each year, have been pulled from shelves due to potential contamination risks.
Ramipril, known for its efficacy in lowering blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, has become a staple in the fight against hypertension—a condition that disproportionately affects older age groups. The recall, however, has cast a shadow over this trusted medication.
The recall specifically targets Ramipril capsules produced by Lupin Pharmaceuticals, an Indian-based company. The affected products come in strengths of 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5mg, and 10mg, and are packaged in bottles containing 90, 100, or 500 capsules with expiration dates extending up to July 2026.
The initial recall, which began on October 23, focused on the 10mg and 5mg strengths and was later expanded on November 19 to include the 2.5mg doses.
The capsules in question were manufactured in Goa, India, and distributed across the United States to at least 30 vendors, whose names have not been disclosed.
The root of the recall lies in an FDA inspection that uncovered the use of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)—the component responsible for the drug's therapeutic effect—sourced from a manufacturer not approved by the agency.
While the overall risk to the public is deemed low, and no adverse events have been reported thus far, the potential for contamination cannot be ignored.
The recall has been classified as Class II, which is designated for products that may pose a slight risk of causing serious harm or death. To put this in perspective, a Class I recall is more severe, indicating a reasonable probability of significant injury.
If you or a loved one are among the many who rely on Ramipril for blood pressure management, it's crucial to take immediate action.
Consumers are advised to dispose of the recalled bottles or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. More importantly, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss alternative treatments and obtain a new prescription if necessary.
For those seeking detailed information on the specific lots affected by the recall, the FDA website provides a comprehensive list. Unfortunately, Lupin Pharmaceuticals has not issued a statement regarding the recall.
This incident is not isolated. Just two weeks prior, another Indian drugmaker, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, recalled over 331,500 bottles of cinacalcet tablets—used to treat hyperparathyroidism—due to contamination with a substance linked to cancer. And last year, contaminated over-the-counter eye drops produced in India were implicated in severe infections and even deaths.
While on the subject of medication recalls, you might want to take another look in your medicine cabinet. This vitamin brand also issued a recall, which you can learn more about in this story here.
Have you been affected by the Ramipril recall? How do you stay informed about the safety of your medications? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
However, some medications are able to be released on the market even if they’re not 100% safe–in cases like this, recalls happen. In a startling development that may concern many in our community, a massive recall has been issued for a commonly prescribed blood pressure medication.
Over 600,000 bottles of Ramipril, a medication integral to the health regimen of more than 2.4 million Americans each year, have been pulled from shelves due to potential contamination risks.
Ramipril, known for its efficacy in lowering blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, has become a staple in the fight against hypertension—a condition that disproportionately affects older age groups. The recall, however, has cast a shadow over this trusted medication.
Over 600,000 bottles of the blood pressure medication Ramipril have been recalled in the US due to potential contamination. Image source: Pexels / Nataliya Vaitkevich.
The recall specifically targets Ramipril capsules produced by Lupin Pharmaceuticals, an Indian-based company. The affected products come in strengths of 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5mg, and 10mg, and are packaged in bottles containing 90, 100, or 500 capsules with expiration dates extending up to July 2026.
The initial recall, which began on October 23, focused on the 10mg and 5mg strengths and was later expanded on November 19 to include the 2.5mg doses.
The capsules in question were manufactured in Goa, India, and distributed across the United States to at least 30 vendors, whose names have not been disclosed.
The root of the recall lies in an FDA inspection that uncovered the use of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)—the component responsible for the drug's therapeutic effect—sourced from a manufacturer not approved by the agency.
While the overall risk to the public is deemed low, and no adverse events have been reported thus far, the potential for contamination cannot be ignored.
The recall has been classified as Class II, which is designated for products that may pose a slight risk of causing serious harm or death. To put this in perspective, a Class I recall is more severe, indicating a reasonable probability of significant injury.
If you or a loved one are among the many who rely on Ramipril for blood pressure management, it's crucial to take immediate action.
Consumers are advised to dispose of the recalled bottles or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. More importantly, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss alternative treatments and obtain a new prescription if necessary.
For those seeking detailed information on the specific lots affected by the recall, the FDA website provides a comprehensive list. Unfortunately, Lupin Pharmaceuticals has not issued a statement regarding the recall.
This incident is not isolated. Just two weeks prior, another Indian drugmaker, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, recalled over 331,500 bottles of cinacalcet tablets—used to treat hyperparathyroidism—due to contamination with a substance linked to cancer. And last year, contaminated over-the-counter eye drops produced in India were implicated in severe infections and even deaths.
While on the subject of medication recalls, you might want to take another look in your medicine cabinet. This vitamin brand also issued a recall, which you can learn more about in this story here.
Have you been affected by the Ramipril recall? How do you stay informed about the safety of your medications? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
