Key Summary
- One batch of Tamoxifen 20mg tablets, manufactured by Wockhardt, is being recalled
- MHRA has ordered its recall after tests showed it may not effectively dissolve into the bloodstream
- It has not received any complaints or reports of harm from patients regarding this batch
- The recall is being done at the pharmacy and wholesaler levels as a precautionary measure
A pill taken by breast cancer survivors is being recalled over fears that it may not work.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued an alert regarding one batch of Tamoxifen 20mg tablets, manufactured by Wockhardt UK Limited.
The batch is being recalled following a dissolution failure during stability testing, and it has raised fears that it may not effectively dissolve into the bloodstream.
Wockhardt is recalling batch number HZ10030 as a precautionary measure, and healthcare professionals have been advised to stop supplying it.
They have been told to quarantine the remaining stock and return it to the supplier.
The MHRA said it had not yet received any complaints or reports of harm from patients regarding this batch.
It said the recall is being done at the pharmacy and wholesaler level as a precautionary measure.
Tamoxifen is a daily pill taken by around 550,000 British breast cancer survivors, and is effective in cutting the risk of recurrence after treatment.
Dissolution tests are conducted to check the time taken for the active ingredient to release into the body.
These drugs dissolve in the fluids of the gastrointestinal tract before absorption into the bloodstream.
