MCAZ clarifies blood pressure medicine Nifedipine recall after public confusion

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has moved to clarify its recall of the blood pressure medicine Nifedipine, after some members of the public mistakenly believed the notice meant the drug had been banned or found to be toxic.

MCAZ first announced the recall in Circular No. 22 of 2026, issued on 7 September 2026. The notice covered specified batches of three medicines, all manufactured by Remedica Ltd of Limassol, Cyprus: Nifedipine 10mg tablets, sold under the brand name Nifelat, as well as Levodopa/Carbidopa 100mg/25mg and 250mg/25mg tablets, used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism.

The recall was classified as a Class II recall extending to retail level, meaning affected stock had to be withdrawn from wholesalers, pharmacies, clinics and hospitals, as well as from any members of the public who might already have it in their possession.

MCAZ said the recall followed confirmed out-of-specification (OOS) results identified during ongoing stability testing.

Specifically, the regulator found that the affected Nifelat batches showed dissolution-profile abnormalities, mainly affecting the early stages of tablet dissolution; the remaining dissolution stages were found to be within specification.

“All licensed pharmaceutical wholesalers, pharmacies, and public and private clinics and hospitals are directed to immediately cease distribution and sale of the affected batches and return stock to the supplier,” the regulator said at the time, advising members of the public in possession of the affected products to stop using them and return them to the pharmacy or health facility from which they were obtained.

Despite the notice’s clear wording, it was misconstrued by some members of the public, who believed all Nifedipine tablets were toxic and had been banned outright, regardless of brand, strength or batch number.

In a follow-up notice issued on Sunday, 13 September, MCAZ moved to correct this misunderstanding.

The regulator clarified that the recall applies specifically to Nifelat (Nifedipine BP) 10mg tablets from two batches only: 112033 and 117367.

It advised members of the public to continue taking all other brands and dosages of Nifedipine as prescribed by their doctors and dispensed by their pharmacists.

MCAZ stressed that all other brands of Nifedipine, and all other strengths of the medicine, are not affected by the recall.

Anyone unsure whether their particular medicine is affected has been urged to contact their local pharmacist.

MCAZ has advised members of the public to stop using tablets from the two affected batches, and to return any Nifelat 10mg tablets from those batches to the pharmacy or health facility from which they were obtained.

Pharmacies, wholesalers and clinics have similarly been directed to cease distribution and sale of the affected batches immediately.

The regulator has also reminded the public not to rely on unverified information circulating on social media or WhatsApp regarding the recall, and to avoid stopping or changing prescribed treatment solely on the basis of such messages.

Anyone with concerns about their medication, including whether a particular batch is affected, has been urged to consult a qualified healthcare professional or contact MCAZ directly.

The Nifelat recall forms part of a broader action under the same circular. MCAZ Circular No. 22 of 2026 also recalls specific batches of Levodopa/Carbidopa 100mg/25mg and 250mg/25mg tablets, manufactured by the same company.

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MCAZ orders recall of blood pressure and Parkinson’s drugs after failed quality tests Health Ministry confirms recall of blood pressure drug Nifedipine