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Recall – Valpam 5 (diazepam) 5mg tablets

GPs are advised that Arrow Pharmaceuticals, in consultation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), is recalling all batches of Valpam 5, 5mg tablets supplied in blister packs of 50 tablets, due to medicine tampering. This recall comes two weeks after Roche recalled packs of 5mg Valium tablets after they were found to contain other drugs such as paracetamol codeine tablets and Apotex-Pantoprazole 40mg tablets.

Valpam 5 tablets contain diazepam, which is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms and muscle spasms. It has been identified that blister pack sheets containing other medicines have been substituted into some packs of Valpam 5. These medicines may include (but may not be limited to) Amlodipine Sandoz.

If a patient has an affected pack, there is a risk that they will not have adequate supply of their medicine and could take the incorrect medicine, which could have serious health consequences.

Pharmacists have been advised to provide a full refund and, if possible, offer an equivalent generic product, if allowed by the prescriber, to ensure continuation of therapy and avoid any risks of discontinuation symptoms. The TGA advises that the tampering is not widespread and the issue is currently being investigated by the relevant authorities.

Further information is provided on the TGA website

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