By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has clarified that its recent recall of Nifedipine does not apply to all versions of the blood pressure medicine.
The regulator said only specific Nifelat 10mg batches are affected, after confusion led some members of the public to believe the drug had been banned or declared toxic.
The clarification follows MCAZ Circular No. 22 of 2026, issued on 7 September 2026.
The recall concerns Nifelat (Nifedipine BP) 10mg tablets manufactured by Remedica Ltd of Cyprus.
The affected batches are 112033 and 117367.
MCAZ classified the action as a Class II recall extending to retail level after out-of-specification results were identified during stability testing.
The affected batches showed abnormalities in the early stages of tablet dissolution.
In its original notice, MCAZ directed suppliers and healthcare facilities to withdraw the affected stock.
“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.”
In a follow-up notice issued on 13 September 2026, MCAZ stressed that the recall does not cover all Nifedipine medicines.
The regulator advised patients to continue taking other brands and strengths as prescribed by their doctors and dispensed by pharmacists.
Anyone who has Nifelat 10mg should check the batch number before taking further action.
People with the two affected batches have been advised to stop using them and return them to the pharmacy or health facility where they were obtained.
MCAZ also urged the public not to rely on unverified WhatsApp or social media messages and to consult pharmacists or healthcare professionals when uncertain.
The recall also covers specified batches of Levodopa/Carbidopa tablets used in treating Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism.