Medicines recallMHRA
Phenobarbital Bristol Labs 15mg Tablets recalled over possible contamination
Bristol Laboratories Ltd. are recalling one batch of Phenobarbital Bristol Labs 15mg Tablets as a precautionary measure due to the potential of contamination of small metallic particles within the tablets.
Check your product
Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.
4 identifiers listed for this notice.
Phenobarbital Bristol Labs 15mg Tablets 28’s
- Batch codePrinted on the pack, often next to the date mark. It may start with L or LOT.
- NU22001
- Product licenceThe PL number on the carton.
- PL 17907/0175
- ExpiryOn the carton, blister or label.
- 10/2025
- First distributedOn the product, its label or its packaging.
- 21 Dec 2022
What to do now
Affected batches of Phenobarbital Bristol Labs 15mg Tablets may be contaminated, for example with particles or microorganisms.
- Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine without advice: missing doses can be more dangerous than the defect.
- Compare the batch number printed on the box or label with the batches listed here.
- If your pack is affected, take it to your pharmacy or contact the prescriber for a replacement.
- Any side effect you think is linked can be reported through the Yellow Card scheme.
Why it matters. Contamination matters most for injections, eye drops and products used on broken skin, where it could cause infection.
Symptoms and when to get help
Look out for
- redness, swelling or pain where the product was used
- a high temperature
Get help urgently
- signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing — call 999
- if you feel unwell and are worried, speak to a pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Replacements and prescriptions
If your pack is affected, your pharmacy can usually exchange it for an unaffected batch or another suitable product. Prescription medicines are replaced through your pharmacy or prescriber; you do not need to buy a new supply yourself.
Many recalls are made at pharmacy or wholesaler level and do not require patients to act. The notice says which level applies.
From the official notice
Published by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (EL(24)A/50). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Bristol Laboratories Ltd. are recalling one batch of Phenobarbital Bristol Labs 15mg Tablets as a precautionary measure due to the potential of contamination of small metallic particles within the tablets.
The risk
DMRC reference number DMRC-32910584 Company name
Advice for healthcare professionals
Stop supplying the above batch immediately. Quarantine all remaining stock and return it to your supplier using your supplier’s approved process.
No further action is required by patients as this is a Pharmacy and Wholesaler level recall. Patients should continue to take medicines from these batches as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Never stop taking medicines such as phenobarbital without medical advice, especially if they are being used for epilepsy. Suddenly stopping an epilepsy medicine may cause your seizures to start again or happen more often or last longer than before.
Patients who experience adverse reactions or have any questions about the medication, should seek medical attention. Any suspected adverse reactions should also be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme .
Advice for patients
No further action is required by patients as this is a Pharmacy and Wholesaler level recall. Patients should continue to take medicines from these batches as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Never stop taking medicines such as phenobarbital without medical advice, especially if they are being used for epilepsy. Suddenly stopping an epilepsy medicine may cause your seizures to start again or happen more often or last longer than before.
Patients who experience adverse reactions or have any questions about the medication, should seek medical attention. Any suspected adverse reactions should also be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme .
Open the MHRA notice
Questions
Why has Phenobarbital Bristol Labs 15mg Tablets been recalled?
Affected batches of Phenobarbital Bristol Labs 15mg Tablets may be contaminated, for example with particles or microorganisms. Contamination matters most for injections, eye drops and products used on broken skin, where it could cause infection.
How do I know if my medicine is affected?
Compare the batch code, product licence, expiry and date code on your pack with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the notice.
What should I do now?
Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine without advice: missing doses can be more dangerous than the defect. Compare the batch number printed on the box or label with the batches listed here.
Do I need a new prescription?
If your pack is affected, your pharmacy can usually exchange it for an unaffected batch or another suitable product. Prescription medicines are replaced through your pharmacy or prescriber; you do not need to buy a new supply yourself. Many recalls are made at pharmacy or wholesaler level and do not require patients to act. The notice says which level applies.