Urgent recall of paracetamol pills over ‘contamination’ fears – as patients urged to check packets now

BATCHES of an over-the-counter paracetamol have been recalled over fears some pills could be "contaminated".

The recall notice was issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) after a small number of pills were found to be "discoloured".

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Two batches of paracetamol 500mg doses made by Chelonia Healthcare Limited come under the recall.

The batch codes to look out for are 2312010 and 2312011, which can be found on the packaging.

The affected batches have an expiry date of the 30th and 31st of November 2027 and were distributed earlier this year.

The alert said: "Patients or carers should check to see if they have received tablets from the listed batches of Paracetamol 500mg Tablets.

"The batch number can be found on the label of the medicine bottle and on the outer carton. These tablets can only be obtained from a pharmacy with a prescription.

"The number of tablets you will have been given will vary depending on your prescription and you may have only received a small number of tablets."

The recall added the pills are white and capsule-shaped, with a score on the side.

If you find tablets in pots from the listed batches that are discoloured in any way you should contact your pharmacist or the healthcare professional who dispensed your prescription.

Patients who may have taken the medication and experience an "adverse reaction" are also urged to seek medical attention.

Furthermore, any suspected adverse reactions should be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

The recall notice hasn't detailed what risk, if any, there is in taking the medication.

But previous cases involving discoloured paracetamol tablets have been linked to fungal contamination.

A similar recall was issued in Europe in 2019 after batches of the medication were found to be contaminated with Penicillium citrinum.

The MHRA has described the recall as Class 2, which means the defect may cause mistreatment or harm to the patient but is not life-threatening or serious.

Chemists have been told to stop supplying the affected batches immediately.

The recall adds: "Quarantine all remaining stock and return it to your supplier's approved process."

Paracetamol is one of the most commonly taken medications in the UK.

It's estimated just under 6,300 tonnes are sold a year.

It's widely available to buy over-the-counter at shops and pharmacies, but you may be able to get it on prescription if you have long-term pain.