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AZ withdraws Brilinta batch for containing the wrong drug after packaging mix-up

pharmafile | June 6, 2017 | News story | Manufacturing and Production AstraZeneca 

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health and Prevention has called for the withdrawal of a batch of AstraZeneca’s cardiovascular drug Brilinta (ticagrelor) 90mg with immediate effect, after it was discovered that, because of a packaging error, the supposed treatment instead contained Zurampic (lesinurad) 200mg, a gout therapy also manufactured by the company.

The mix-up presents a real danger to patients, as, according to Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, sudden discontinuation of Brilinta – a drug approved by the FDA for the prevention of blood-clotting – can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, while incorrect doses of Zurampic may cause renal failure.  Dr Amiri is the Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing Sector of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, and Chairman of the Supreme National Drug Registration.

The FDA has already issued a warning stating that AstraZeneca has voluntarily withdrawn the erroneously packaged product. The UAE Ministry is taking action to ensure the warning is circulated through contact with international pharma agencies, urging the public to report any adverse events.

Matt Fellows

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