Bristol-Myers recalls vials of cancer drug

[August 31, 2012]  PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) -- Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. is recalling more than 31,000 units of a chemotherapy drug after discovering one vial was overfilled, putting patients at risk of an overdose.

The company's action affects 10 lots of BiCNU, an injection of the drug carmustine, used to treat brain tumors, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Bristol-Myers said taking too much of the drug could result in lung or kidney toxicity, though no adverse events have been reported yet.

The drug was manufactured by Ben Venue Laboratories, a former manufacturing contractor for the New York drugmaker. The recall affects products sold in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia.

Bristol-Myers said the recall is unlikely to result in a product shortage.

Health care professionals and customers can get more information by calling 1-888-896-4564.

[Associated Press]

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