Thiruvananthapuram RCC Administered Wrong Cancer Medication Due to Packaging Error

Thiruvananthapuram: Due to a severe packaging error, patients at the Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) were administered the wrong medication. Chemotherapy tablets intended for lung cancer were mistakenly given to patients suffering from brain cancer. A packaging error by the pharmaceutical company led to this dangerous incident. Out of 2130 bottles supplied, 2125 had already been dispensed to patients before authorities discovered the mistake. RCC has initiated steps to ascertain how many patients received the incorrect medicine.

The error occurred in the packaging of Temozolomide-100 tablets manufactured by Globela Pharma in Gujarat. While the outer box was labeled ‘Temozolomide-100’, the bottles inside contained ‘Etoposide-50’ tablets. The bottles themselves were also labeled ‘Etoposide-50’. Each bottle contained eight tablets. Etoposide is a chemotherapy drug used for lung cancer and certain testicular cancers. RCC had paid Globela Pharma Rs 7500 for each bottle of these eight tablets.

Upon noticing the incident, staff immediately reported it, and an internal investigation was launched at RCC. The Drugs Controller was subsequently informed. The Drugs Controller’s inspection also confirmed that the incorrect tablets were inside the boxes. In accordance with the section for distributing counterfeit drugs, the State Drugs Controller has registered a case against Globela Pharma and submitted a report to the court, including the remaining incorrect tablets and RCC’s explanation.

The tablets, delivered to RCC on September 2, 2024, were distributed starting the very next day. Besides inpatients, those seeking outpatient treatment also received the wrong medication. Cancer treatment experts warn that patients who consumed the incorrect tablets could face severe health consequences, including a reduction in blood count, depending on their individual health status.