Japan: 3 die after being administered hepatitis C drug

The health ministry said Friday three people have died after taking the hepatitis C drug Sovriad, and it has ordered the distributor to revise the drug packaging to say usage should stop when indicated by a patient blood test.

The ministry also ordered the maker and distributor, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., to notify doctors and hospitals in writing of the change.

The package insert already warns of possible deterioration of liver function from use of the drug, known generically as Simeprevir Sodium. The ministry directed the packaging also say usage should be discontinued if a blood test indicates certain abnormalities.

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