The government is working on sourcing Valsartan that does not contain any impure ingredients, with patients being urged to seek advice from their doctors and pharmacists to see whether they can continue taking the medication, Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne has told The Malta Independent

“Patients should only stop taking Valsartan after discussing so with their doctors,” he said.

Doctors and pharmacists have also been told in a circular by the Health Department to provide alternatives to Valsartan at no extra pay from the customer.

The European Medicines Authority recently found that some batches of Valsartan had an impurity in one of the ingredients manufactured in China.

The Superintendence of Public Health has since said that valsartan, which is a drug used for high blood pressure and heart conditions, should continue to be taken unless users have alternative medicine available

Health Authorities have also started procedures to import the medicine from other countries, and the public should refer to pharmacists for guidance.