Common Antidepressant Recalled After Patient Receives Wrong Medication in Pack
A batch of Sertraline 100mg tablets has been recalled after a patient discovered incorrect medication inside a sealed package. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced the precautionary recall of batch number V2500425, manufactured by UK-based pharmaceutical firm Amarox.
The patient who received Sertraline 100mg film-coated tablets found a strip of Citalopram 40mg film-coated tablets inside the sealed box. Both medications are produced by the same manufacturer at the same facility. The MHRA stated that the error likely occurred during secondary packaging of the blister strips into cartons.
Immediate Actions for Patients
The MHRA advises patients who suspect they may have consumed Citalopram 40mg tablets in error or are experiencing adverse reactions to seek medical help immediately. Pharmacists must stop supplying the affected batch and contact patients who may have received the product.
Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA's chief safety officer, said: "If you have been prescribed Sertraline 100mg tablets and have received batch number V2500425, please check the carton contains the right medication. You can find the batch number and expiry date printed on the side of the outer packaging." She added: "If the blister strips inside the carton are labelled Citalopram 40mg, please contact your pharmacy as soon as possible. If they are labelled Sertraline 100mg, no further action is needed."
Potential Side Effects
Patients who have accidentally taken Citalopram instead of or in addition to Sertraline may experience heightened serotonergic side effects, including nausea, headache, sleep changes, and mild anxiety. It is crucial not to double up on doses to compensate for missed ones.
About Sertraline and Citalopram
Sertraline is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the UK. Research from 2019 revealed that GPs in England issued over 16.7 million Sertraline prescriptions. It is used to treat depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and social anxiety disorder. Sertraline belongs to a class of antidepressants called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which work by boosting serotonin levels to help patients feel more settled and content.
Citalopram is another SSRI antidepressant often prescribed for low mood, depression, and panic attacks. It typically takes four to six weeks to reach full effectiveness, but patients may notice improvements within one to two weeks. Patients taking either medication should not stop abruptly but should consult their GP for a gradual dose reduction to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
For more information, patients can contact their pharmacy or healthcare provider. The MHRA continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
