Johnson & Johnson recalls anemia drug Eprex

NEW YORK — Johnson & Johnson is recalling about 200,000 syringes of the anemia drug Eprex because of inconsistent potency in dosages.

There were no reports of any adverse events, according to Stefan Gijssels, spokesman for the company's Janssen Pharmaceuticals division.

The voluntary recalls are occurring in 17 countries, including 13 European nations and Canada. The United States is not affected by the recall.

Fewer than 6,300 syringes of Eprex remain on the market, Gijssels said.

Johnson & Johnson, based in New Brunswick, N.J., has issued numerous recalls related to manufacturing issues over the past two years, affecting products ranging from Tylenol and contact lenses to hip implants and faulty blood glucose test strips.

In afternoon trading, shares of the health care giant fell 51 cents to $61.41.