Coronavirus: European Medicines Agency recommends continued use of medicinal products for high blood pressure, heart and kidney disease

date: 04/05/2020

European Medicines Agency (EMA) is aware of reports that certain medicinal products, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney disease, may aggravate the coronavirus infection (COVID-19). EMA does not recommend stopping these treatments.

No evidence of aggravation of COVID-19

EMA has confirmed that there is currently no evidence from clinical or epidemiological studies that establishes a link between angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs or sartans) and the worsening of the COVID-19 disease.

To gather more evidence, EMA is proactively contacting researchers working on epidemiological studies to provide additional evidence.

EMA is closely monitoring the situation and is collaborating with the various stakeholders to coordinate epidemiological studies on the effects of ACE inhibitors and sartans in people affected by the by COVID-19 disease.

Do not stop treatment for high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease

It is important that patients not stop taking ACE inhibitors and sartans. There is no need to change treatment.

Experts in the treatment of heart and blood pressure disorders, including the European Society of Cardiology, have already published statements along these lines.

Patients who have questions or doubts about their medication should talk to their doctor or pharmacist.

Any new recommendations will be issued by the EMA and the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP).

The following medicines are authorised and marketed in Belgium:

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors:

Captopril EG, Captopril Mylan, Captopril Sandoz, Inhibace, Enalapril EG, Enalapril Sandoz, Renitec, Fosinil, Lisinopril EG, Lisinopril Mylan, Lisinopril Sandoz, Lisinopril Teva, Zestril, Coversyl, Perindopril Krka, Perindopril Sandoz, Perindopril Servier, Perinopril Teva, Accupril, Quinapril EG, Ramipril EG, Ramipril Krka, Ramipril Sandoz, Tritace, Zopranol, Coveram, Peramteva, Perindopril Amlodipine Krka, Triplixam.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (or sartans):

Atacand, Candesartan EG, Candesartan Krka, Candesartan Sandoz, Candesartan Teva, Teveten, Aprovel, Irbesartan EG, Irbesartan Mylan, Irbesartan Sandoz, Irbesartan Teva, Cozaar, Loortan, Losartan Apotex, Losartan EG, Losartan Krka, Losartan Krka, Losartan Sandoz, Losartan Teva, Belsar, Olmesartan EG, Olmesartan Krka, Olmesartan Sandoz, Olmesartan Teva, Olmetec, Kinzalmono, Micardis, Telmisartan EG, Telmisartan Mylan, Telmisartan Sandoz, Telmisartan Teva, Diovane, Valsartan EG, Valsartan Krka, Valsartan Sandoz, Valsartan Teva, Amlodipine Valsartan EG, Amlodipine Valsartan Krka, Amlodipine Valsartan Sandoz, Exforge, Forzaten, Olmesartan Amlodipine EG, Olmesartan Amlodipine Krka, Olmesartan Amlodipine Sandoz, Olmesartan Amlodipine Teva, Sevikar, Twynsta, Amlodipine Valsartan Hydrochlorothiazide Krka, Exforge HCT, Forzaten HCT, Sevikar HCT.

More information is available on the EMA website.

 

Last updated on 12/05/2020