Bristol-Myers Squibb initiated a recalled on 60 million pills of Avalide today. The Avalide medication consists of 2 separate drugs put into one pill. They are irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. The recall was initiated because of varying levels of irbesartan, which could affect the way the drugs react in the body as well as how they break down.

The recalled Avalide pills were produced in a Puerto Rico plant prior to November of 2009. Although they have recalled the drug, Bristol Myers spokeswoman, Christina Trank stated that “Other than the potential for an impact on the anticipated blood pressure lowering efficacy, we are not aware of any other risk to patients who may have taken product from these lots.”

Basically there is a possibility that the drug could be less effective in some individuals, however no other known problems would likely occur. Thus far there have been no reports of any issues involving the lot of Avalide which has been recalled.

Avalide as well as sister drug Avapro were responsible for $307 million in worldwide sales in the first 6 months of this year. The affected drugs were only the 300 mg pills, not the smaller 150 mg pills. The main use of Avalide is to treat high blood pressure.