J&J; to Curb Use of Heartburn Drug Propulsid

Johnson & Johnson will stop marketing its heartburn drug Propulsid because of concerns it may cause serious cardiac problems for people with heart disease or patients taking other medications.

The company said Thursday it will make Propulsid available on a limited basis for U.S. patients who cannot take other therapies, however. Enrollment in the limited access program will begin May 1.

Patients who are now taking Propulsid are asked to speak with their doctor. The drug will continue to be widely distributed until July and will remain in pharmacies until the middle of August.

Johnson & Johnson’s decision, made in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration, comes two months after federal health officials placed additional warnings on the drug’s label, saying it should only be used as a last resort and advising that patients not take the drug unless they first undergo a heart test.

About 70 deaths and 370 other reports of heart rhythm problems have been reported to the FDA since Propulsid was introduced in the United States in 1993.

Propulsid can cause problems in people with heart disease, and for people taking certain antibiotics, antidepressants, AIDS drugs and other medications.