A number of medications used by about 50,000 people in Ireland to treat heart failure and high blood pressure are being recalled "as a precautionary measure".
The decision has been taken because an impurity has been detected at a factory in China.
The medicines contain the ingredient Valsartan.
An impurity was identified as part of the manufacturing process at one facility which supplies the ingredient to medicines distributed in Europe.
Five types of tablets from three pharmaceutical companies are affected by the recall.
Valtan - made by Clonmel Healthcare, Co-Vatan and Vatan - made by Rowex, and Valsartan Actavis and Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide - made by Actavis.
They includes tablets in a range of strengths.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority said that patients should consult their doctor or pharmacist to discuss their treatment.
It added that they should not stop taking their medications abruptly.
It also advised people to check its website - www.hpra.ie - for the full list.
HPRA Chief Executive Dr Lorraine Nolan said: "Our key piece of advice to patients hearing this news today is do not stop taking your medication".
Medications to treat heart failure and high blood pressure recalled. The HPRA has this advice: pic.twitter.com/9chhndcpEb
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) July 5, 2018
She said: "The risks associated with stopping your medication abruptly far outweigh the issues associated with continuing to take the product".
"We would advice you to seek the advice of your pharmacist at the nearest available opportunity.
"There are many alternative Valsartan products available and your pharmacist will be able to advise as regards switching, or your pharmacist may tell you to see your doctor who can advise on an alternative treatment".
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