By Selloane Ntshonyane
- The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority recalled four batches of Enalapril 10mg Arya after tests found they did not meet required specifications.
- Patients should check their medicine’s batch number and contact a pharmacist or healthcare professional if it matches one of the recalled batches.
The recall of four batches of a commonly used blood pressure medicine has worried some patients and their families.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) announced on 16 August 2026 that four batches of Enalapril 10mg Arya had been recalled.
But patients are being urged not to panic or suddenly stop taking their medicine.
The regulator’s head of communications, Rodgers Baloyi, said results that did not meet the required specifications were found during checks carried out after the medicine had entered the market.
Only four batches are affected. Baloyi said the affected batches expire in August and September 2026.
Here is what patients need to know:
What is Enalapril used for?
Enalapril is used to control high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
It belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.
The medicine helps blood vessels relax and widen. This lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body.
Enalapril can also be used to help manage heart failure.
Why have some batches been recalled?
Baloyi said four batches of Enalapril 10mg Arya were recalled after tests found results that did not meet the required specifications during checks carried out after the medicine had entered the market.
The affected batch numbers are:
GQQ24053
GQQ24064
GQQ24066
GQQ24067
How can patients check their medicine?
Patients taking Enalapril 10mg Arya should look at the packaging and find the batch number.
They should then compare that number with the four recalled batches.
If the number matches, patients should contact their pharmacist, doctor or another healthcare professional for advice.
They can also ask whether they need replacement medicine.
What should patients with recalled medicine do?
Patients should not simply throw away their medicine and stop treatment without getting medical advice.
Baloyi advised anyone with medicine from one of the recalled batches to speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
The regulator has also warned patients not to stop taking their blood pressure medicine without first getting professional medical advice.
What could happen if patients suddenly stop taking Enalapril?
Stopping blood pressure treatment without medical advice could cause a patient’s blood pressure to rise.
“It will affect their blood pressure. The blood pressure may rise. Enalapril helps to control blood pressure,” pharmacist technician Keneilwe Segonyane said.
That is why patients who discover they have medicine from an affected batch should first speak to a healthcare professional about what to do next.
Why is controlling high blood pressure important?
High blood pressure can place extra pressure on the heart, blood vessels and other organs.
It can also affect important organs such as the kidneys, brain and eyes.
If high blood pressure is not properly controlled, it can increase the risk of serious health problems including heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney disease.
What should worried patients do?
Segonyane said the first step is to remain calm and check the medicine carefully.
“I would advise the patient not to panic. The patient needs to confirm the name of the product, batch number and strength, then compare it to the product that is being recalled,” she said.
“If it matches the product on the recall notice, the patient needs to contact a healthcare professional or the company.”
What are people saying?
The recall has caused concern on social media, with some people questioning whether the affected medicine could have harmed patients.
One person asked: “How can you convince some of us that this didn’t affect the health of our parents or worsen their health conditions?”
Another person shared their mother’s experience of taking the medicine.
“This medication has side effects. I’ve seen it with my mother. She was coughing so much but she had no flu,” the person said.
They said their mother went to a doctor, who changed her medicine, and that she was now doing better.
Patients who are concerned about side effects or the recall should speak to a healthcare professional rather than stopping their treatment on their own.
Pictured above: Patients taking Enalapril 10mg Arya are being urged to check their medicine after four batches were recalled.
Image source: Supplied.
