Blood Pressure Medication Recall 2021: Hypertension Drug Recalled Over Potential Death Risk

A recall has been issued by Alembic Pharmaceuticals for one lot of its Telmisartan tablets that could pose a life-threatening risk.

The pharmaceutical company received a “market complaint” that one bottle of the medication improperly contained the wrong dosage of the drug. The affected medication, which was supposed to be packaged as 20 mg Telmisartan tablets in 30-count bottles, was reported to contain 30 tablets of Telmisartan in a 40 mg dose.

Telmisartan is used for the treatment of hypertension to lower blood pressure. If a higher dosage of the medication was taken for a prolonged period of time, users could experience low blood pressure, worsening kidney function, or increased potassium levels, which could result in death.

The recalled Telmisartan tablets have a lot number of 1905005661 and an NDC number of 62332-087-30. The expiration date of the medication is March 2022.

The drug can be identified by an oval shape that is white to off-white and debossed with L203 on one side instead of the correct medication that is a round shape, white to off-white in color, and debossed with L 202 on one side. Labels and images of the medication can be viewed here.

The affected Telmisartan tablets were distributed nationwide to pharmacies, retailers, and wholesalers.

Consumers that have the recalled medication in their possession should not stop taking the drug until they speak to their pharmacist or healthcare provider to determine a replacement option.

Users of the recalled Telmisartan that experience any problems related to the medication should contact their physician.

Questions about the recall can be directed to Alembic Pharmaceuticals at 1-908-552-5839, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT or by email at david.cobb@alembicusa.com.

Alembic Pharmaceuticals said it has not received any reports of adverse effects from the recalled medication.