Bristol-Myers Recalls Blood Pressure Drug Avalide – Again

The hypertension drug Avalide has been recalled in five different countries around the world after the makers of the drug, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi-Aventis discovered a problem with the drug that could render it ineffective.

Less than a year ago, the company recalled 60 million tablets internationally after a similar manufacturing defect was discovered. This recall involves an estimate 64 million pills.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA), who is assisting with the recall, stated that the manufacturing defect took place when the factory producing the pills did not follow Good Manufacturing Practice and that the active ingredient in the blood pressure drug may not have formed correctly. This malformation could affect how well the body can absorb the medication.

The companies that make the drug say that no adverse effects or harm has been reported in relation to the manufacturing problem. In addition, though they are wary of a decrease in effectiveness, none have been reported.