You are here:  » News & Events » Media Centre

Media Centre

URGENT MEDICINE RECALL

29 January 2010

You may have heard on the News today about the recall of the medicine Marevan (warfarin) and the following is advice directly from manufacturers, GlaxoSmithKline.

Product - Marevan (warfarin) 3mg tablets (blue)

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is recalling all Marevan (warfarin) 3mg tablets dispensed to patients since 23 November 2009. Marevan (warfarin) is an anticoagulant treatment widely used to prevent blood clots. Marevan 3mg tablets are blue in colour.

This recall is due to a manufacturing problem that could result in some tablets supplied after 23 November 2009 containing a higher dose of the medicine.

If a tablet with a higher than usual dose is taken, a patient may experience bruising and/or bleeding. Signs of increased anticoagulant activity include signs of abnormal bleeding or bruising, vomiting with the appearance of coffee grounds or blood, blood in the urine or stool, or black tarry stools.

Marevan 1mg tablets (brown) and Marevan 5mg tablets (pink) are not affected by this recall.

 ACTION:
  1. You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine; however, you should have these tablets replaced and seek advice as soon as possible.
  2. Return your Marevan (warfarin) 3mg to your pharmacy for free replacement as soon as possible.
  3. You should also contact the doctor or clinic that prescribed your medicine for advice on whether further testing or monitoring may be required.
  4. If you have suffered any ill effects you should see a doctor immediately.


This recall is being conducted following consultation with Medsafe, the Ministry of Health.

GSK regrets any inconvenience to patients.

For further information, please call: 0800 696 308