A post-marketing safety review of the drug Exjade has been released by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Exjade, manufactured by Novartis AG, removes excess iron in individuals undergoing continual blood transfusions.

In May of 2007, the FDA first warned that Exjade may be linked to kidney failure and eight deaths. Swiss-based Novartis AG contacted doctors at that time to warn them that Exjade may be associated with kidney failure and cytopenia, a blood disorder.

In its latest review, the FDA said it has received 115 reports of adverse drug reaction incidents, including 17 deaths, possibly linked to Exjade usage. Novartis has not yet commented.

Source: “FDA Cites Risk of Novartis Drug,” WSJ.Com, September 19, 2007.