Mass recall of blood pressure medication across France
Labelling error on blister packet could lead to overdose of medicine
An overdose of the medicine may lead to several side effects
Stan Pritchard / Alamy Stock Photo
A mass recall of a generic medicine to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) is underway in France as the information on the blister packet is incorrect and may lead to an overdose of the drug.
The recall of 32,000 boxes of prescription drug Lisinopril, developed by an American pharmaceutical company Viatris, was announced by the French national medicine safety agency (ANSM).
The quality of the medicine is not in question, however there is a 鈥減rinting error on the aluminium of the blister packs which could lead to confusion over dosage,鈥� states the ANSM in a about the recall.
鈥淭he days of the week printed on the aluminium do not correspond to the markings on the tablets and could encourage patients to take several tablets on certain days,鈥� it adds.
Anyone who takes an overdose of the medicine may face side effects including fatigue, loss of balance, hypotension, and an 鈥榠mpaired renal function鈥�, the ANSM warns. There are also reports of patients facing confusion after an overdose.
The affected lots of the medicine have been distributed in France since March 2024.
The recall affects the medicine in its 5mg scored tablet (comprim茅s s茅cable) format, that comes in boxes of 28 or 84.
The following lot numbers are being recalled:
For the 28-tablet packets
Lot 8172295 - 01/2026
Lot 8189879 - 03/2027
For the 84-tablet packets
Lot 8172296 - 01/2026
Lot 8192737 - 03/2027
Read more: QR code to replace paper instructions for 100 medicines in France in new trial
Check medicine cabinet and speak to pharmacist
Pharmacists who prescribe the medicine are being asked to contact patients to see if they are affected and to ask them to return the medicine.
If you have a prescription for Lisinopril, check you do not have any of the affected lots even if you are not contacted.
In the case where you do have to return the medicine, your pharmacist will find an alternative.
Lisinopril is not at risk of a shortage in France, but the recall may temporarily affect how much of the medicine is available locally.
As a generic medicine, there are several alternatives that can be offered.
Consult your pharmacist to find an alternative if you cannot obtain Lisinopril.
Read more: What to do if your local pharmacy in France is out of stock of your medicine
