Bristol-Myers voluntarily recalled the blood pressure medication Avalide, citing concerns about the product’s effectiveness. The recall includes 65 lots of the medication, or 64 million tablets.
According to the drug manufacturer, the recall was initiated after Avalide pills were thought to contain varying levels of irbesartan, the drug’s active ingredient. Avalide was also recalled in September 2010 from a manufacturing plant in Puerto Rico for the same reason.
“We are working with our partner Sanofi-Aventis to identify all possible solutions to this issue, including process adjustments and alternate supply sources; however, these solutions are complex and will take time to assess,” the company said in a statement.
Avalide is a combination medication used to treat high blood pressure. The recalled doses include 150/12.5 mg, 300/12.5 mg, 300/25 mg and blister sample packs of 300/25 mg.
The recall was not publicly announced, but Bristol-Myers did inform wholesalers and healthcare professionals. The company hasn’t received reports of safety problems or found evidence of decreased effectiveness in the medication.
Patients who are unsure if they have purchased recalled lots of Avalide should contact their doctor for more information.
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