The Food and Drug Administration has classified a nationwide recall of Viatris Inc.'s telmisartan and amlodipine tablets as a class III action, meaning the agency does not expect the medication to cause serious health problems. Patients who take the pill should check their bottle's lot number before doing anything else, and they should talk to a doctor or pharmacist before stopping the drug.
Why the tablets were recalled
Viatris voluntarily began the recall on Oct. 1 after determining that some tablets may contain more telmisartan than the label states. The FDA has not said how much extra telmisartan is present in the affected tablets. The National Library of Medicine notes that taking too much of this combination can lead to low blood pressure, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat.
Which bottles are affected
The recall covers 21,620 bottles of 30-count telmisartan and amlodipine tablets, 40 mg/5 mg. Two groups of lot codes are included. Lots 3228113, 3228114 and 3228115 carry an expiration date of Oct. 31, while lots 3228120 and 3228121 expire Nov. 30. Bottles outside these lot numbers and expiration dates are not part of this recall.
What patients should do now
The FDA advises patients not to stop taking the medication abruptly, since stopping blood pressure treatment without guidance can carry its own risks. Anyone who has questions about their prescription, or who notices symptoms such as lightheadedness or an unusually fast pulse, should contact their doctor or pharmacist. A pharmacist can check whether a specific bottle is included in the recall and arrange a replacement if needed.