- Bottles labeled 30 mg may contain 60 mg capsules, leading to potential overdose.
- Affected lot: 43885, DIN: 02019949, Expiry Date: 04/2026.
- Health Canada advises to return medication and seek medical help if concerned.
Health Canada has recalled one lot of M-Eslon (morphine sulfate) extended-release capsules after discovering bottles labeled as containing 30 mg capsules may mistakenly contain 60 mg capsules.
This error could lead to patients unintentionally taking double their prescribed dose, which significantly increases the risk of overdose.
Urgent Recall Issued for M-Eslon Morphine Due to Potential Overdose Danger
To avoid potential harm, Health Canada urges patients to carefully check their medication for discrepancies. The 30 mg capsules are identifiable by their pink cap, while the 60 mg version has an orange cap. If any confusion arises, patients should return the capsules to the pharmacy and refrain from taking them. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, coma or death.
Morphine is a potent opioid used to treat severe, chronic pain. Taking more than the prescribed dose can lead to serious health issues, including difficulty breathing, confusion, and even coma. Morphine overdoses can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical intervention. The correct 30 mg capsules can be identified by their pink cap, while the 60 mg capsules have an orange cap.
Patients are urged not to take any capsules if they are unsure of the dosage. If someone suspects they’ve ingested the wrong dose, Health Canada advises contacting emergency services immediately. Naloxone, a life-saving drug that reverses opioid overdoses, should be administered if overdose symptoms appear. Returning incorrect medication to the pharmacy is also recommended.
Health Canada is closely monitoring the recall process and the company’s corrective actions to ensure the mistake doesn’t happen again. If new risks are found, Health Canada will issue further advisories. Patients and healthcare professionals alike are encouraged to report any issues with the medication to both the manufacturer and Health Canada.
This recall serves as a critical reminder to always verify medications and seek immediate assistance if there’s any uncertainty about dosage, especially with powerful drugs like morphine. Health Canada’s swift response aims to prevent further harm while ensuring public safety.
“Taking too much morphine or suddenly increasing the dose could potentially lead to an overdose, which can be life-threatening.”
