Health authorities have issued an urgent warning to patients taking antidepressants after discovering a manufacturing error that led to incorrect packaging of the medication.
According to the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), some packs of the drug sertraline may contain tablets of another drug, citalopram.
Both belong to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are used to treat depression and anxiety, but taking them incorrectly can cause serious side effects.
Amarox Limited has recalled a batch of sertraline 100 mg (with an expiry date of May 2028 and batch number V2500425), asking patients to carefully check their packaging. If tablets marked as citalopram 40 mg are found inside the box, patients should contact their pharmacist immediately.
Experts warn that improper use of these drugs can cause symptoms such as nausea, headaches, sleep disorders and increased anxiety.
So far, only one case of side effects has been reported, while authorities have requested that pharmacists contact affected patients and recall the products.
Patients who have taken sertraline correctly do not need to take any additional action, but more sensitive groups – such as people over 65, young people under 18 and those with heart or liver problems – are advised to exercise extra caution.
Authorities are urging patients and health professionals to report any side effects and follow instructions to avoid risks. /GazetaExpress/
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