Merck told the Globe the shortage of BCG used to fight bladder cancer is due to manufacturing problems.
Photo Credit: Matt Rourke/AP Photo/file Feb.28, 2013

Doctors forced to ration vital bladder-cancer drug

There is a serious shortage of a drug used to treat bladder cancer, reports the Globe and Mail. Without the drug called BCG, some patients may have to have their bladders surgically removed.

Manufacturing problems at two different plants are at the heart of the problem. Doctors are having to ration the drug and are afraid they may run out entirely.

A shortage of drugs to treat cancer is not a new problem in Canada. The Globe reports that reasons involve a scarcity of raw materials, changing rules and consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry.

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