Amgen Recalls Anemia Medications Epogen and Procrit Over Glass Fragments

Drug-makers Amgen (AMGN) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) are voluntarily recalling two brands of an injectable anemia medication because vials containing the drug may have tiny glass flakes. The drug, Epoetin alfa, is marketed under the brand names Epogen and Procrit.

Known as lamellae, the glass fragments are created by the interaction of the drug with glass vials during storage, Amgen said in a statement announcing the recall. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration, Amgen said.

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The company said the potential impact for patients who use the injectable drug is low. Potential serious side effects include possible blood-cot formation or inflammation of the veins, among others, Amgen said, but it has received no reports of problems with the drugs related to glass flakes.

Amgen manufactures Epogen and Procrit in the U.S., where it sells Epogen, while J&J's Centocor Ortho Biotech unit distributes Procrit. J&J has been dealing with a rash of recalls for its consumer medicines, according to Reuters. The recalls aren't expected to significantly effect either the supply of the drugs or the companies' bottom lines.

The affected product lot numbers and expiration dates are posted at the drugs' respective websites: www.epogen.com and www.procrit.com.

Consumers wishing to report problems related to the recall should call 800-772-6436 for Epogen and 800-547-6446 for Procrit.