Boots has issued an urgent warning to customers after a packaging blunder has left some medication potentially harmful. Customers have been told not to take some of the store’s own brand paracetamol tablets advising they could be “dangerous”.
The pharmaceutical chain has launched an investigation after some packets of paracetamol contained blister packs marked as aspirin. It warned people to check packs before taking the tablets.
The affected packages are Boots Paracetamol 500mg tablets which contain 16 tablets. Boots say the product could be “dangerous” because one batch – number 241005 – “contains the incorrect packaging.”
It added: “The foiled blister insert will read Boots Aspirin 300mg dispersible tablets. The supplier is currently conducting a full investigation, including on the tablet.
“Please do not take this product and instead return it to your local Boots store for a full refund.” It said the affected item is: Boots Paracetamol 500mg tablets 16s:Item code 81-99-922;Batch 241005;Expiry date 12/2029, reports The Mirror.
Boots advised: “If you have bought the Boots Paracetamol 500mg tablets 16s item code 81-99-922 as detailed above, please return the product to your local Boots store for a full refund with or without a receipt. For more information please contact Boots Customer Care Team on 0800 915 0004.”
The notice does not say where the mistake was made. It is also unclear whether the tablets in the package are paracetamol or aspirin.
According to the NHS paracetamol is a common painkiller used to treat aches and pain. It can also be used to reduce a high temperature.
It is used to treat cold and flu and is contained in a lot of over the counter remedies. However it cannot be taken by everyone. People planning on taking the medication are advised to tell a doctor or pharmacist if they:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to paracetamol or any other medicine
- have liver or kidney problems
- regularly drink more than the maximum amount of alcohol recommended (14 units a week)
People who weigh less than 50kg (8 stone), are also advised to check with their doctor or pharmacist before taking it. They are warned they may need to take a lower dose.
Aspirin is also used for aches and pains. It can also be used to treat colds and flu-like symptoms, and to bring down a high temperature.
It is known as an acetylsalicylic acid and belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However it is not suitable for everyone with the NHS website warning the following people must inform their doctor or pharmacist before taking the drug if they:
- have ever had an allergy to aspirin or similar painkillers such as ibuprofen
- have ever had a stomach ulcer
- have recently had a stroke (although depending on the kind of stroke you’ve had, your doctor may recommend that you take low-dose aspirin to prevent another one)
- have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- have indigestion
- have asthma or lung disease
- have ever had a blood clotting problem
- have liver or kidney problems
- have gout – it can get worse for some people who take aspirin
- have heavy periods – they can get heavier with aspirin
- are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding