Urgent UK sertraline recall issued after wrong medicine given to patients

The government warns that some patients who take Sertraline - a prescription drug used to treat depression and panic attacks - may have been given the wrong medicine.

Due to a manufacturing packaging mistake, Amarox Limited has recalled one batch of Sertraline 100 mg tablets because, in some packs, one blister strip of Citalopram 40 mg tablets was placed inside instead.

Citalopram is also used to treat depression and panic disorders by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to improve mode and reduce anxiety.

Sertraline is often preferred for its slightly broader profile and fewer cardiac risks, while Citalopram is considered 'cleaner' and frequently chosen for anxiety, according to AttoPGx.

The recall comes after a patient complaint which 'helped identify that a pack of Sertraline 100mg film-coated tablets contained one blister strip of Citalopram 40mg film-coated tablets inside the sealed carton', the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said.

What to do if you take Citalopram instead of Sertraline

Amarox Limited has recalled one batch of Sertraline 100 mg tablets (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)

If you have Sertraline 100 mg from batch V2500425, start by checking the blister strips inside the box.

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA 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.

“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.”

Possible side effects

A  MHRA chief has warned that patients 'may experience some heightened serotonergic side effects' due to the Sertraline packaging mistake (Getty Stock Images)

If a patient accidentally took Citalopram instead of Sertraline, they might experience side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Sleep changes
• Anxiety

Patients who are under 18, over 65, or have heart/liver conditions may need closer monitoring.

Any adverse reactions should be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Medicine Details:

• Sertraline 100mg film-coated tablets
• PL: 49445/0116
• Active Ingredient: sertraline
• SNOMED code: 41340311000001108
• GTIN: 05060608561834

Be sure to check the blister strips inside the box (Getty Stock Images)

According to guidance published on the official Gov.uk website: "Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals involved in dispensing should identify and contact any patients who may have received the impacted product and request that any remaining medicine be returned."

The guidance adds: "If any patients are identified with this product, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals involved in dispensing should contact the patients' GP or the clinician responsible for their care to discuss a treatment review and whether a new prescription is required for ongoing resupply."