Most Problematic Leukemia Drugs Recalled (China)
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Chinese officials announced they have successfully recalled the majority of two-types of leukemia drugs. Methotrexate and cytarabin hydrochloride, both manufactured by Shanghai Hualian Pharmaceutical, Co. were recalled by Chinese health authorities as of Sept. 5 after reports of unusual side-effects. The Chinese Ministry of Health and the State Food and Drug Administration have since been working with Shanghai Hualian to remove the two drugs from the market and trace the cause of the side-effects. As of Sept. 14, officials announced they have found the source of the mysterious symptoms, which included trouble walking and urine retention. According to reports, the side-effects were the result of the accidental addition of vincristine sulfate, another anti-cancer treatment, into several batches of the leukemia treatments. (Click here for more