AIDS drug called back over musty smell
US American company Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has recalled HIV/AIDS drug Prezista in several European countries including Austria after customers reported a mouldy odour.American papers report today (Mon) that the pharmaceutical industry giant decided to call back the 400 milligram (mg) and 600 mg doses of the pill in Austria, Germany, Ireland and Great Britain.A chemical byproduct called TBA of wood preservatives could have caused the stench, according to the Los Angeles Times. TBA is occasionally applied to warehouse pallets, the daily reports, adding that the health risks were minimal. A J&J official appealed on patients not to stop taking the medication.US papers write that J&J one of the most powerful players on the global health sector as far as the production and distribution of drugs is concerned had already contacted authorities in the countries affected by the recall of Prezista to decide on which steps must be taken now.The firm stressed it will replace all Prezista bottles. Fewer than 2,000 units are affected by the recall, according to J&J.Around 9,000 people living in Austria suffer from AIDS, according to organisers of the Life Ball. The event is Austrias biggest HIV/AIDS awareness and fundraising event. Actress Brooke Shields, former US President Bill Clinton and singer Janet Jackson will attend this years edition of the event in Vienna on 21 May.