Fears over Nurofen mix-up

THOUSANDS of packets of pain killer Nurofen Plus have been mistakenly filled with an anti-psychotic drug, made by an different company and meant only for schizophrenia, mania and bipolar depression sufferers.

However, despite growing fears in Britain, where the mistake took place, Irish authorities have said there is no evidence as yet that this country has been affected.

In a safety alert yesterday Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirmed that thousands of Nurofen Plus packets may contain Seroquel XL 50mg.

The large capsules of Seroquel XL 50mg tablets have gold and black packaging while the Nurofen Plus tablets are smaller and have silver and black packaging.

A spokesman for the MHRA has asked anyone using Nurofen Plus to be vigilant.

“People should check to see if they have any affected packets of Nurofen Plus.

“If you do, return them to the pharmacy where you bought them from.

“You can also report this to the MHRA’s DMRC on 0044-20-3080-6574,” he said, adding that anyone with concerns over a tablet they have taken should contact their GP immediately.