Hong Kong, Macao Block Use Of Allopurinol After Five Deaths
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Macao and Hong Kong authorities have taken action against the allopurinol gout drug made by Europharm Laboratories following five death reports. Macao ordered the drug recalled and imports blocked while Hong Kong SAR's Health Department urged a halt to use of the drug. Batches made by the Hong Kong-based pharma were discovered to have been tainted with fungal contamination. Health authorities in Hong Kong, where about 40,000 patients have received the drug, said they found a bacteria mucormycosis level in some batches 100 times more than the standard amount. (Click here for more