FDA Links Vandetanib to Risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Washington, DCThe US Food and Drug Administration said recently that an experimental AstraZeneca pill to treat inoperable thyroid cancer poses the potential risk of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome, Reuters reports.

Vandetanib, which was once seen as a potential blockbuster drug, was dealt a significant blow when it was found that it did not extend the survival rate of lung cancer patients, the news provider said.

The FDA plans to ask an advisory panel if the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks and if the potential side effects should limit the use of the drug, according to the news source.

In addition to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, which is a potentially dangerous skin rash condition, other possible side effects of vandetanib include interstitial lung disease and strokes, according to FDA reviewers.

"Given the substantial toxicity seen with vandetanib, should its indication be limited to patients with progressive, symptomatic medullary thyroid cancer?" the reviewers asked in a summary prepared for the panel.

According to the Mayo Clinic, recovery after the development of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can take weeks to months, depending on the severity of the specific case.