In response to harmful reactions of Xenetix (Iobitridol), an X-ray contrast agent, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health has stopped use of the drug.
Earlier, Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi reported of five patients suffering from anaphylactic shock after being injected with Xenetix, and one case of death.
The Ministry thus temporarily halted two batches of the drug and ordered Hyphens Marketing and Technical Service, importer of Xenetix manufactured by Guerbet in France, to immediately suspend distribution.
The Drug Administration of Vietnam has also requested Hyphens Marketing and Technical Service, Guerbet and other importers to inform of the suspension of the drug to agents as quickly as possible.
They are asked to inform of the quantity of drug, import date, distribution and harmful reactions of the drug to Drug Administration of Viet Nam before September 8.
At the same time, the Departments of Health have to announce the halt of the drug to medical facilities in the country.
