Painkiller Removed From Shelves
By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
A local pharmaceutical firm has started recalling Penzal, one of the most widely used painkillers, for its possible side effects.
Chong Kun Dang Pharm said that it decided to recall the product following controversy concerning the safety of isopropylantipyrine, a substance used to kill pain.
The company said that it has produced a new product called ``Penzal Q.'' It has replaced isopropylantipyrine with another painkilling substance, ethenzamid, which the firm says is safer. Consumers with Penzal will be able to exchange it for Penzal Q at pharmacies.
CKDP produced the replacement after a health group claimed, in October, that isopropylantipyrine can cause blood-related diseases. The substance, used in some 20 countries including Germany and Japan, is banned in the United States and Canada due to its possible side effects.
There have been three reports of side effects from isopropylantipyrine in Korea, including shock.
Concerns are growing over the safety of other painkillers using the same substance. The Korea Food and Drug Administration is examining some of these painkiller products, including Geworin and Saridon.