China recalls suspect leukemia drugs

Leukemia drugs made by a Shanghai drug firm have been recalled after several children suffered side effects, Reuters reported, citing state media. It is the latest in a series of product safety scares to hit China. The Shanghai municipal government media office said most of the drugs in question – generic medications methotrexate and carbon hydrochloride produced by Hualian Pharmaceutical – had been recalled. Production and sale of the two drugs had been suspended in July, but this was upgraded to a full recall after several leukemia sufferers complained of pain in their legs and walking difficulties following injections of methotrexate in July. Investigations found that several batches of the drugs had been contaminated during production. Factories were closed pending the outcome of the investigation.