Urgent Boots paracetamol recall after packets found to contain a different drug

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Boots has urgently warned customers not to take one of its own-brand paracetamols and return any packets to stores immediately.

The product has been recalled over a ‘packaging error,’ with the high street pharmacy confirming that a batch of its 500mg tablets has been incorrectly labelled.

The drug, which costs under a pound, is packaged incorrectly as its inner packs say the product is actually 300mg tablets of aspirin. Although also an everyday painkiller, aspirin can be risky for some, especially those with stomach-related issues.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued the recall alert on Tuesday alongside the notice from Boots.

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Both have since confirmed that the packages actually contain the correct drug – 500mg paracetamol – but that there was a labelling error. Nevertheless, customers are advised to return any affected products, which they can spot by checking the batch number.

If the product has a batch number reading 241005, then it should stop being used immediately and can be returned for a full refund.

The recall notice from Boots said: “We can confirm that the tablets are Paracetamol. The foil is the incorrect packaging. If you have bought the product as detailed below, please return the product to your local Boots store for a full refund with or without a receipt.”

Dr Stephanie Millican, MHRA Deputy Director Benefit Risk Evaluation, said: “Patient safety is always our priority. It is vitally important that you check the packaging of your Boots Paracetamol 500mg Tablets 16s, and if the batch number is 241005, you should stop using the product and return it to a Boots store for a full refund.

“If you are unsure which pack you have purchased or have taken Boots Paracetamol 500mg Tablets and experienced any side effects, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

“Please report any suspected adverse reactions via the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme.

“If you have any questions or require further advice, please seek advice from your pharmacist or other relevant healthcare professional.”