Sertraline Recall Issued Today

Check Your Batch Number Right Now

MHRA Recall — Batch V2500425 — Sertraline 100mg — April 28, 2026 | Everything You Need to Know

What Has Happened — The Full Story

If you or a loved one are taking sertraline, please read this article first. Today – April 28 2026 – a recall has been issued for a batch of Sertraline 100mg tablets sold in the UK.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a precautionary Class 2 recall of batch number V2500425, made by Amarox Limited. The cause: one patient discovered that his or her sertraline medication contained citalopram instead. The sertraline tablets were packed into the citalopram box.

This was a packaging mix-up – not a contamination problem. Sertraline and citalopram are both in the same family of antidepressants (known as SSRIs), but are different drugs with different doses and different safety issues. If a person is taking citalopram when they are meant to be taking sertraline, they are being given a drug they haven’t been evaluated for.

The good news: the MHRA is giving this recall a “Class 2” classification, where the risk of serious harm is low. But the steps to take are clear-cut: check the batch number now.

URGENT ACTION REQUIRED — April 28, 2026

If you take Sertraline 100mg tablets, check your pack RIGHT NOW. The MHRA has issued a Class 2 recall of batch number V2500425 after citalopram tablets were found inside sealed sertraline cartons. Check the batch number printed on the side of your outer packaging. If your batch number is V2500425, open the pack and check the blister strip label. If it says ‘Citalopram 40mg’, do NOT take the tablets — contact your pharmacy immediately. If it says ‘Sertraline 100mg’, no action is needed. NHS 111 is available 24/7 for advice.

Recalled Batch — The Number You Are Looking For

Manufacturer: Amarox Limited | Product: Sertraline 100mg Film-Coated Tablets | Batch Number: V2500425 | Recall Class: Class 2 (MHRA) | Date: April 28, 2026 | The batch number is printed on the side of the outer carton packaging. If your pack shows this batch number, proceed to the step-by-step guide below.

What to Do Right Now — Step-by-Step Guide

Do this step-by-step. This will only take a couple of minutes to do and will determine if you need to take action.

1. Locate the pack of sertraline 100mg tablets – this only relates to 100mg tablets
2. Find the batch number and expiry date on the side or back of the outer packaging (cardboard box)
3. If your batch number is NOT V2500425 – you are not affected. You can continue to take your medication. No further action is needed
4. If your batch number IS V2500425 – remove your carton and check the blister strip
5. Look at the label on the blister strip: if it reads ‘Sertraline 100mg’ – the tablets are correct No action is needed. If it says ‘Citalopram 40mg’ – the tablets are incorrect
6. If you have found citalopram tablets in your pack: do NOT take them. Call the pharmacy to get them replaced ASAP. Talk to your GP or prescriber about your treatment
7. If you’ve taken tablets from this batch and have any symptoms – read the symptoms section below and call NHS 111 or your GP

Symptoms to Watch For — If You May Have Taken Citalopram

Who Needs Extra Vigilance

The MHRA specifically highlights these people as needing particular care: over 65 or under 18 years of age | with heart conditions (citalopram 40mg is known to have dose-related effects on heart rhythm) | with liver disease or impairment | with different metabolism of medications. If you’re in one of these categories, and have taken tablets from this batch, see your GP now.

If you have taken tablets from batch V2500425, you may have taken citalopram 40mg tablets instead of sertraline. The MHRA’s Chief Safety Officer, Dr Alison Cave, confirmed that if someone takes citalopram instead of sertraline, they may experience increased serotonergic effects.

Possible Symptoms of Unintended Citalopram Exposure

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Headache
• Sleep disturbance – insomnia or excessive sleepiness
• Slight feelings of anxiety, restlessness, or nervousness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dry mouth

When to Seek Urgent Medical Help

For the majority of people the symptoms are mild and will resolve. But if you notice the following, call 999 or go to A&E for urgent medical care as this may be due to serotonin syndrome (uncommon but potentially life-threatening):

• Fast or abnormal heartbeat
• Fever or sweating
• Rigidity, stiffness, or twitches
• Agitation or confusion
• Loss of coordination

Report Adverse Effects — MHRA Yellow Card Scheme

If you think you have experienced any adverse reactions to the wrong medication, you should report them via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme: yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. This will help the MHRA track the impact on health of this recall. Health care professionals should also report via this scheme.

How Did This Happen? The Manufacturing Error Explained

Knowing how this occurred can guide patients and their families on what to ask, and how concerned to be.

Amarox Limited produces both sertraline and citalopram in the same factory. The mistake was made during the secondary packaging step – when the blister strips of tablets are packaged into their outer cartons. The citalopram blister strip was put inside the sertraline carton, instead of the sertraline blister strip.

The error in manufacture was only detected when a patient noticed a discrepancy and reported it – highlighting why patient checking is a valuable process in ensuring quality and safety, and not simply a regulatory requirement.

This kind of mistake – called a packaging mix-up – is different to contamination. The tablets are genuine medicines. It’s just that the wrong genuine medicine was placed in the wrong package. Amarox Limited is recalling the rest of the batch of medication as a precaution.

Sertraline vs Citalopram — What Is the Difference?

Both are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. Both raise levels of serotonin in the brain. However, they are not the same drug – and should not be used interchangeably – hence why someone on the wrong drug is an issue.

Feature	Sertraline	Citalopram
Drug class	SSRI antidepressant	SSRI antidepressant
Approved uses	Depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder	Depression, panic disorder
Common doses	25mg, 50mg, 100mg	10mg, 20mg, 40mg
Recalled dose	100mg (this recall)	40mg (found inside packs)
Heart rhythm risk	Low — standard SSRI	Yes — dose-dependent QT prolongation at higher doses
Brand names (UK/US)	Lustral / Zoloft	Cipramil / Celexa
Metabolised by	Liver (CYP2D6 pathway)	Liver (CYP2C19 pathway — different)

The most important difference is the known dose-dependent effect of citalopram on the cardiac QT interval – how long the electrical impulse takes to pass through the heart. At a dose of 40mg, this effect is of particular concern for patients with heart disease, those aged over 65, and those taking multiple drugs that impact on heart rhythm. The key clinical scenario this recall relates to is a patient not assessed or monitored for citalopram receiving a 40mg dose.

What Is Sertraline? Essential Information

Sertraline is a widely used antidepressant drug in the UK. It is one of the most frequently prescribed medications by general practitioners in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland according to statistics from the National Health Service (NHS).

The drug works by stopping the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, which means more serotonin is available in the synapses between nerve cells, which eventually lifts mood, relieves anxiety, and normalises emotional reactions. It takes two to four weeks for the drug’s full therapeutic effect to kick in.

Sertraline is used to treat depression, anxiety (both generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder), social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The 100mg dose (the dose subject to this recall) is a typical dose used to treat these conditions and is the highest recommended dose.

Do NOT Stop Taking Sertraline Without Medical Guidance

If this recall has affected your supply, don’t stop sertraline abruptly. Stopping suddenly leads to SSRI withdrawal syndrome, which involves dizziness, electric shocks (‘brain zaps’), nausea, anxiety and irritability. Speak to your pharmacist as soon as possible – they can provide emergency supplies. Your GP can provide an emergency prescription.

What Is a Drug Recall and What Does Class 2 Mean?

Drug recalls are one of the most important regulatory measures to ensure patient safety. In the case of a manufacturing problem, contamination or incorrect labelling, the company (working with the MHRA) will remove the product from the market and alert health professionals and consumers.

The MHRA has a three-class recall system. Class 1 is the highest – for products that can cause serious and life-threatening consequences, and require urgent attention. This sertraline recall is class 2 – a product which could cause temporary adverse health effects but where the risk of serious harm is remote. Class 3 is for products that have a slight risk of harm.

Class 2 doesn’t mean ‘don’t worry about it.’ It means take action but not alarm. Look at your batch number, do the right thing and ask your GP or pharmacist if you’re worried.

The MHRA has instructed all pharmacies and other health care professionals in the UK to cease providing batch V2500425 and to return any product to the supplier. If your pharmacy has identified patients, they should be contacted, but patients shouldn’t wait for this, and should check their own medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which sertraline batch is recalled?

Sertraline 100mg film-coated tablets batch number V2500425 made by Amarox Limited. This is the only batch number subject to the recall. The batch number is stamped on the side of the outer carton. If it isn’t, you’re not affected by this recall and should keep taking your medication.

Q: Is it dangerous if I accidentally took citalopram instead of sertraline?

Unless you have a serious underlying medical condition, it’s unlikely to be dangerous if you accidentally take a short course of citalopram 40mg instead of sertraline 100mg – they’re both SSRIs that work in the same way. That’s why the MHRA has this as a Class 2 (not Class 1) recall. But it should be used with caution in patients with heart disease, liver disease, aged over 65 and under 18 years old. If you have any concerning symptoms, especially cardiac symptoms, stiff muscles or fever, contact a doctor urgently.

Q: Can I still get sertraline if my supply is affected?

Yes. Only one batch from one manufacturer has been recalled. Other batches of sertraline from different manufacturers are still available. Go to your pharmacy now – they can get stock in or your GP can issue an urgent prescription. Don’t stop taking sertraline abruptly without medical advice as this leads to withdrawal-like discontinuation syndrome.

Q: What is the difference between sertraline and citalopram?

They are both SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain. But they have different characteristics, and different dosing recommendations. The most significant difference is that higher doses of citalopram (for example, 40mg) have a dose-dependent effect on the cardiac QT interval – which means it should be used cautiously in those with heart disease and those aged over 65. That’s why getting citalopram when you have been prescribed sertraline is concerning.

Q: How do I report a problem with my medication?

In the UK, report any suspected side effects or other concerns about medicines through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk) by health professionals and patients. For medication concerns, call NHS 111 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or see your GP. For serious symptoms, call 999 or visit A&E.

Conclusion — Three Actions to Take Today

This is an easy recall to respond to. There are three things to do right now:

1. Look for a batch number V2500425 on your sertraline 100mg pack – 30-seconds
2. If it is, check the label on the blister strip, if it is citalopram, contact your pharmacist today
3. If you have taken a tablet from this batch and have symptoms, call NHS 111, your GP or pharmacist for advice

Most sertraline prescriptions in the UK are fine. It’s one batch, from one company, and it has been identified early on thanks to patient vigilance. And that’s exactly what the drug safety system relies on.

Please pass on this article to anyone you know who is taking sertraline (especially the 100mg dose). And if you have been impacted, please report it via the MHRA Yellow Card system at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your pharmacist, GP, or call NHS 111 for personalised medical advice about your medication. Do not stop taking prescribed medication without medical guidance.