FDA warns vs. cracked vials in some batches of anti-cancer drug

The Food and Drug Administration over the weekend cautioned the public against buying certain batches of Bortezomib, a medicine for a type of cancer,  that it said may have health implications due to cracked vials.

In a public health warning, the FDA warned against Velcade 3.5 mg Lyophilized Powder for Injection IV/SC Batches 102424, 102430, 102501, 102502 and 102648

FDA head Kenneth Hartigan-Go said these batches had been reported from US and German markets to have cracked vials.

“Consumers and health practitioners are advised to inspect all vials of the subject product for any crack or damage before use,” he said.

Those who happened to buy batches of the product that present such defects may report to FDA via report@fda.gov.ph or to Janssen Pharmaceutica via +632 824 8968 or Janssendrugsafety_Phil@its.jnj.com.

Suspected adverse reactions experienced from the product should be reported immediately to FDA by visiting www.fda.gov.ph.

Velcade’s website said the product is used “for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (a cancer that starts in the plasma cells in bone marrow).”

It is also for relapsed mantle cell lymphoma. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News