Pharmecutical company Mylan is recalling a heart drug commonly used to treat hypertension or angina, saying it is a precautionary measure.
Mylan New Zealand is recalling Pacific Atenolol 50mg tablets after finding a five tablets in one batch which were larger in size and, as a result, contained a higher dose of the medicine.
Mylan managing director Lloyd Price says the products affected were contained in one batch.
The drug is used to treat various heart conditions including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and to prevent angina.
The company is asking people to return the tablets, dispensed after 1 January, to their pharmacy for a free replacement as soon as possible.
It says people should continue to take the medicine, but if a larger tablet is found it should not be taken.
Medsafe compliance manager, Derek Fitzgerald, says a higher dose may lead to dizziness, fatigue, a dry mouth or an upset stomach.
Medsafe says it will work with Mylan New Zealand to ensure similar problems don't happen again.
The Pharmacy Guild says says Mylan will be asking GPs to contact all patients who have been prescribed the medicine since the beginning of the year.
