Cancer drug recalled after failing specification test

Accord Healthcare Limited is recalling a single batch of the chemotherapy agent, carmustine, due to an out of specification result for non-volatile residue observed during official medicines control laboratory testing.

The affected medicines are carmustine 100 mg powder and solvent for concentrate for solution for infusion (1 vial 100mg powder, 1 vial of 3 mL solvent).

The batch is being recalled as a precautionary measure, no adverse reactions have been reported with this batch to date.

Carmustine is typically used as palliative therapy, as a single agent, or in established combination therapy with other approved anticancer substances to treat certain types of cancers, such as brain tumours, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s disease, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

Healthcare professionals are advised to stop supplying the affected batch immediately. Quarantine all stock and return it to your supplier using your supplier’s approved process.

Affected lot batch numbers

100mg/3mL per vial

• M2408383

Patients who experience adverse reactions or have any questions about their medication should seek medical attention. Any suspected adverse reactions should also be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.