Blood pressure drug recall: FDA warns of potentially 'life-threatening' labeling mixup

Joel Shannon | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Lowering blood pressure could prevent dementia For the first time, a large study gives strong evidence of a way to cut the risk of mental decline that often leads to Alzheimer's disease _ lowering blood pressure beyond usually recommended levels. (July 25)

A specific lot of blood pressure medication has been recalled after a bottle from that lot was found to be mislabeled, according to a Food and Drug Administration statement.

The bottle was supposed to contain hydrochlorothiazide tablets USP 12.5 milligrams, a medication used to treat high blood pressure. Instead, they contained a different kind of diuretic, spironolactone tablets USP 25 milligrams used to treat congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and other ailments.

The effects of mixing up the medications — both help bodies get rid of extra salt and water — depend on the individual but can range from "limited" to "life-threatening," FDA officials said.

Accord Healthcare Inc. voluntarily recalled a single lot of the drug, PW05264, after investigations revealed it was the only lot that was possibly affected.

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Accord’s hydrochlorothiazide tablets USP 12.5 milligrams can be identified via its visual guide.

The tablets are supposed to be light orange or peach in color and round. They have a "H" and a "1" on opposite sides.

For people in possession of Accord hydrochlorothiazide tablets that do not match this description, the FDA recommends checking with a pharmacy or health-care provider.

Accord officials said they have not had reports of adverse incidents relating to this recall, according to the FDA release.

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