THUNDER BAY — A common heart medication is being recalled because the packaging may contain the wrong medication.
Health Canada and Nora Pharma are recalling a single lot of NRA-Amlodipine 5 mg tablets.
The correct medication should be an octagonal shape, off-white, flat and scored in the middle with '210' and '5' on one side.
The incorrect medication has been identified as metoprolol succinate prolonged–release 12.5 mg tablets, which is another type of drug used to treat hypertension and other heart issues.
These pills are notably different in that they are round, white and are also scored in the middle.
If prescriptions at home contain any round tablets, which are not the correct shape, or unsure, return the bottle to the dispensing pharmacy for a replacement.
Health Canada suggests that if a replacement isn't available immediately, continue taking the correct medication as directed, but do not take the round tablets, as these are the wrong medication.
Contact a healthcare professional or call 911 if patients experience any dizziness, have unusually low blood pressure or slow heartbeats.
Health Canada's recall states that while the metoprolol is also used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain, substituting amlodipine (5 mg) with metoprolol (12.5 mg) can lead to serious side effects such as dangerous blood pressure changes (especially dangerously low drops), difficulty breathing, or an abnormally slow heart rate.
Patients with other conditions (especially heart failure, asthma, severe peripheral arterial disease, pheochromocytoma, or diabetes) and those taking other medications could experience different side effects with varying levels of severity.
Children taking the wrong medication may face a higher risk of serious side effects and potential harm.
Health Canada is monitoring the company's recall and investigation, including its implementation of corrective and preventive actions to stop this issue from recurring.