UK Blood Pressure Tablets Recalled After Packaging Mix-Up: Check Affected Batch
A UK-wide medicine recall has been issued for a batch of commonly prescribed blood pressure tablets after a packaging error raised concerns that some patients could receive a higher dose than intended.
Thousands of people across the UK rely on prescription medication to keep their blood pressure under control. However, a recent recall involving Lercanidipine Hydrochloride 10mg tablets has prompted a warning for patients, pharmacies and healthcare professionals.
The recall was issued after a packaging mix-up was identified involving tablets of different strengths. Although the overall risk to patients is considered low, anyone prescribed the affected medication is being advised to check their medicine carefully.
The issue highlights the importance of checking prescription packaging and understanding what to do if a medicine recall affects your treatment.
What Has Happened? Blood Pressure Tablets Recalled in the UK
A batch of Lercanidipine Hydrochloride 10mg tablets, manufactured and supplied by Accord-UK Ltd, has been recalled following reports of a packaging error.
According to the recall information, one customer complaint reported that a medicine box contained two different strengths of tablets. While one blister strip contained the correct 10mg tablets, another strip reportedly contained 20mg tablets.
This means that patients expecting to take 10mg of the medication could potentially receive tablets containing twice that strength.
The affected batch number is M2510877.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued guidance asking patients who have received this particular batch to inspect the blister strips inside their medicine packaging.
Importantly, the recall is currently being handled at pharmacy and wholesaler level because the anticipated risk to patients is considered low.
Which Blood Pressure Medication Is Affected?
The recall specifically concerns:
- Medicine: Lercanidipine Hydrochloride 10mg tablets
- Manufacturer: Accord-UK Ltd
- Affected batch number: M2510877
- Reason for recall: Incorrect tablet strength included in the packaging
- Incorrect strength identified: 20mg tablets instead of 10mg
Lercanidipine is a prescription medicine used to treat hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.
It belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers. These medicines work by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow through them more easily and helping to reduce blood pressure.
Because the medication is prescribed at specific doses, taking a higher strength than intended could increase the risk of unwanted effects.
What Should Patients Do If They Have the Affected Tablets?
Patients who have been prescribed Lercanidipine Hydrochloride 10mg and have received a pack from the affected batch should carefully check the labels on their blister strips.
The advice depends on the strength printed on the individual strips.
If the blister strips are labelled 10mg:
Patients can continue using their medication as prescribed. No further action is required based on the recall notice.
If any blister strip is labelled 20mg:
Do not take tablets from the affected 20mg strip. Contact your dispensing pharmacy for advice and guidance on obtaining the correct medication.
Patients should avoid making changes to their prescribed treatment without speaking to a healthcare professional.
Anyone who believes they may have taken a higher dose than prescribed should contact their pharmacist, GP or NHS 111 for individual medical advice. If severe symptoms develop, seek urgent medical attention.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Taking a Higher Dose?
According to the recall information, taking 20mg daily instead of a prescribed 10mg dose for approximately two weeks could result in an exaggerated pharmacological effect.
In simple terms, the medication may lower blood pressure more than intended.
A significant reduction in blood pressure can cause symptoms such as:
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Persistent headaches
- Facial flushing
- Heart palpitations
- Feeling weak or unusually tired
- Symptomatic hypotension, which means blood pressure becomes too low and causes symptoms
The severity of these effects can vary between individuals. Age, existing medical conditions, other prescription medicines and individual sensitivity may influence how someone responds to a higher dose.
Anyone experiencing unusual symptoms after taking their medication should seek medical advice rather than assuming the symptoms will disappear on their own.
Why Is the Risk to Patients Considered Low?
Although the packaging error is concerning, the MHRA's assessment indicates that the overall risk to patients is expected to be low.
There are several reasons for this assessment.
Firstly, the 20mg strength is still within the authorised dosage range for lercanidipine. This does not mean that patients should take a higher dose without medical approval, but it helps explain the assessment of the potential risk.
Secondly, the 10mg and 20mg tablets have different colours, which may help patients and healthcare professionals identify the incorrect tablets.
Finally, the reported packaging defect is expected to occur very rarely.
Nevertheless, patients should not ignore the recall. Checking the batch number and individual blister strips remains important.
Why Is Controlling High Blood Pressure So Important?
High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is a major risk factor for serious health conditions.
The condition often develops without obvious symptoms, meaning many people may have high blood pressure without realising it.
When blood pressure remains elevated over a prolonged period, it places additional strain on the heart, arteries and other organs.
If left untreated, hypertension can increase the risk of:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Vascular dementia
- Peripheral artery disease
This is why prescribed blood pressure medication plays an important role in managing the condition and reducing the risk of complications.
Patients should continue following their treatment plans unless advised otherwise by a qualified healthcare professional.
Can Low Blood Pressure Also Be Dangerous?
While high blood pressure is a significant health concern, blood pressure that drops too low can also cause problems.
Hypotension occurs when blood pressure falls below a level that is appropriate for an individual, particularly when the reduction causes symptoms.
Common warning signs include dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, weakness and fainting.
In some cases, a sudden or substantial fall in blood pressure can affect the amount of blood reaching vital organs.
This is one reason why taking the correct medication strength is important. Blood pressure treatment needs to be appropriate for the individual patient, rather than simply aiming to lower readings as much as possible.
How Can Patients Check Whether Their Medication Is Affected?
If you take Lercanidipine Hydrochloride 10mg, consider taking the following steps:
- Find your medicine box and check the batch number printed on the packaging.
- Look for batch number M2510877.
- If the batch number matches, inspect every blister strip inside the box.
- Check whether the tablets are labelled 10mg or 20mg.
- If you find a 20mg strip, do not take tablets from it. Contact your pharmacy for further instructions.
- If you experience unusual symptoms, contact a healthcare professional promptly.
If you are unsure how to identify the batch number or tablet strength, take the packaging to your local pharmacy and ask for assistance.
How Can Medicine Recalls Be Reported?
The MHRA operates the Yellow Card scheme, which allows patients and healthcare professionals to report suspected side effects and safety concerns involving medicines and medical devices.
Reporting suspected adverse reactions helps regulators monitor medicine safety and identify potential problems.
Patients who believe they have experienced an unwanted reaction to lercanidipine can submit a report through the official Yellow Card website.
Final Thoughts: Do Not Ignore the Blood Pressure Tablet Recall
The recall of Lercanidipine Hydrochloride 10mg tablets demonstrates why medicine safety checks are essential.
Although the MHRA considers the risk to patients to be low, the discovery of 20mg tablets inside packaging intended for 10mg medication is an issue that deserves attention.
Patients prescribed the affected batch should check their packaging, inspect the blister strips and contact their pharmacy if they discover tablets labelled 20mg.
Most importantly, do not stop taking prescribed blood pressure medication or alter your dosage without professional advice. If you are concerned about your treatment, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
Staying informed and checking your medication can help protect your health and reduce the risk of avoidable complications.
Sources
- MHRA / GOV.UK, 29 October 2026.
- Community Pharmacy England: MHRA medicine recall guidance and affected batch information.
- The Sun, published 4 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general information and awareness purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Always consult your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional regarding medication concerns. Never change or stop prescribed medication without professional guidance. For the latest recall instructions, refer to the official MHRA notice.