THE Department of Health yesterday ordered the immediate removal of all lumiracoxib products in local drug stores because of its harmful effects on the liver.

In an order posted in its website, The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) said local distributor Novartis Healthcare Philippines Inc. (Novartis) should remove the products within 15 days.

The drug was for relief of osteoarthritis, dental and orthopedic surgery pain, and dysmenorrhea

BFAD director Leticia Barbara Gutierrez said the recall order was based on the US Food and Drug Administration finding that there are potential liver- and lung-related side effects with the use of the drug.

Among these effects are toxification of the liver and malfunctioning of the lungs.

Last September, the FDA rejected Novartis’ application to sell lumiracoxib in the US market. The governments of Australia and New Zealand have issued similar recalls for the drug. – Gerald Naval