BMS recalls Avalide | Reuters

NEW YORK, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (BMY.N) said it has recalled 64 million tablets of the blood pressure medicine Avalide in the United States and Puerto Rico due to the potential for reduced effectiveness.

The move, which Bristol-Myers said was undertaken as a precautionary measure, marked the second major recall in less than four months of the medicine co-marketed with French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis (SASY.PA).

In September, Bristol-Myers recalled 62 lots, or 60 million tablets, of the drug manufactured in Puerto Rico. The new recall involved 65 lots of Avalide manufactured in plants in Humacal, Puerto Rico and Evansville, Indiana, the company said.

Avalide is a combination pill comprised of the drugs irbesartan, which is sold under the brand name Avapro, and hydrochlorothiazide, a generic diuretic.

The recall was not announced publicly but communicated via letters to wholesalers and healthcare professionals, Bristol-Myers said.

Reuters first learned of the recall from a doctor.

via reuters.com

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