New Warning For Viracept

Pfizer has issued a new warning for children and pregnant women taking nelfinavur, also known as Viracept. This U.S. warning comes after a European recall of Viracept due to the discovery of excess levels of ethyl methanesulfonate in some batches of the drug sold outside the U.S. and Canada. That impurity occurs during the manufacturing process and is potentially carcinogenic. Later testing by Pfizer of Viracept showed lower levels of ethyl methanesulfonate. However, Pfizer is continuing to test the drug and is working with the FDA to develop long-term guidelines for the use of Viracept, which is an anti-retroviral drug.

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