Urgent Recall Issued for Medication Over Potentially Deadly Issue

(WatchDogReport.org) – A grand total of 135 batches of blood pressure medication have been recalled after concerns were raised that the potassium chloride pill capsules would not dissolve properly once ingested. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has issued a voluntary recall of 114 batches of the 750g bottles of the medication, and American Health Packaging issued a voluntary recall of 21 batches of the medicine on BluePoint Laboratories’ behalf.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) circulated a document listing the affected batch numbers and their expiration dates. A risk statement released by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals stated that the unsuccessful dissolution of the capsules could lead to hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels. This condition can result in an erratic heartbeat and even cardiac arrest. As of this writing, the company has not reported any serious health issues or cases of hyperkalemia as a result of the issues linked to the recall.

The company is notifying distributors and wholesale customers of the recall with written letters. Patients who have been prescribed the medication by their doctors are advised to discuss the issue with their doctor before they stop taking the medicine. The company has urged people to contact their healthcare provider or their doctor if early symptoms of hyperkalemia are spotted.

Consumers are being advised by the FDA to use its MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program to report symptoms by post, online or by fax. Other symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chest pains and abdominal pains.

An electrocardiogram can be ordered to check for changes in the heart’s rhythm, as high potassium levels and hyperkalemia might not be visible to many unless they receive a blood test. A serum blood test can also be used to assess potassium levels in the blood.

Medication blocking the ability of kidneys to secrete potassium is the main cause of the condition other than high potassium intake, which can relate to excessive consumption of potassium supplements. Those with diabetes, HIV, and chronic kidney disease are particularly susceptible to the condition.