Amlodipine 5mg tablets, which control high blood pressure, were recalled from pharmacies and stores on Tuesday in accordance with instructions by the Malta Medicines Authority.

This action is similar to the action taken by the UK authorities.

The recall was made in view of manufacturing practice problems identified by inspectors in the UK. The manufacturing deficiencies do not in any way compromise patient safety, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Health said yesterday.

The continued use of Amlodipine 5 mg tablets distributed from government pharmacies and from pharmacies in the Pharmacy of Your Choice scheme did not harm patients. It was imperative that patients taking amlodipine did not stop their medication even if the stock they had available was of this particular brand.

If there was any risk to patient safety, the health authorities said they would have taken the necessary action to inform patients.