Bayer and the FDA have informed healthcare professionals of the market withdrawal of the current liquid formulation of Leukine, a growth factor that helps fight infection and disease in appropriate patients by enhancing immune cell function.

The product was withdrawn because of an upward trend in spontaneous reports of adverse reactions, including syncope (fainting), which are temporally correlated with a change in the formulation of liquid Leukine to include edetate disodium (EDTA). The upward trend in adverse reaction reporting rates has not been observed with the use of lyophilized Leukine.

Healthcare professionals should immediately stop using liquid Leukine and return unused vials to the manufacturer.

Read the complete MedWatch 2008 Safety Summary including a link to the manufacturer's Dear Healthcare Professional Letter at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Leukine