Wyeth K.K., the Japanese subsidiary of U.S. drug manufacturer Wyeth, said in its annual survey that the side effects were caused by metho trexate. An estimated 100,000 people nationwide are taking the drug.

Most of the people died from bone marrow suppression, which decreases the formation of blood cells, or interstitial pneumonia.

Among the fatalities were people who should not have taken the drug due to kidney disorders or chronic liver disease, as well as those who had not had mandatory medical checks, such as blood tests.

An official at the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry said, "There are no countermeasures other than requesting that patients use the medicine carefully."

Pharmaceutical experts have said that there is insufficient information about Rheumatrex Capsule from the manufacturer and government, and have demanded that they outline the dangers of the drug more clearly.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 19, 2005
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