FDA Issues Alert About Counterfeit Procrit

In a statement issued Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned health workers and patients to watch for a counterfeit version of the drug Procrit. Deemed ineffective and contaminated with bacteria that pose a potential significant risk to patients, the fake version of the drug was discovered after laboratory testing and an investigative review. Procrit is used to treat severe anemia brought on by HIV, chemotherapy, and other conditions or procedures that attack red blood cells. There are three lots of the counterfeit Procrit with the following lot numbers and expiration dates: POO7645, expiration 10-2004; POO4677, expiration 02-2004; and POO4839, expiration 02-2004. The FDA urges patients to check Procrit packaging and vials carefully before consumption. If a counterfeit version is found, the FDA says it should not be used for any purpose. Health workers should quarantine it and phone the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at 800-835-4709, prompt #1, then prompt #5. People can also phone Ortho Biotech, the manufacturer, at 800-325-7504, prompt #2.

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