Published on May 15, 2026

Sun Pharma Recalls Doxorubicin Liposome Injection Batch Over Glass Particle Contamination Risk

A recent safety alert has been issued involving a voluntary recall of a chemotherapy medication distributed in the United States. Sun Pharma has recalled a specific batch of DOXOrubicin Hydrochloride Liposome Injection 50 mg/25 mL after the potential presence of glass particles was identified in some vials during manufacturing quality checks.

This recall is important for healthcare professionals, hospitals, pharmacists, and patients receiving chemotherapy treatments. The affected product is used in oncology care, where strict sterility and contamination control are essential due to the vulnerability of patients undergoing cancer treatment.

According to the FDA notice, the recall is being carried out at the hospital and user level in the United States.

What Medication Is Involved in the Recall

The recalled product is:

  • Drug name: DOXOrubicin Hydrochloride Liposome Injection
  • Strength: 50 mg per 25 mL
  • Manufacturer: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
  • Batch number: HAG2581B
  • Expiration date: May 2027
  • Total quantity: 675 vials
  • Packaging: Single dose glass vials

This formulation is a liposomal version of doxorubicin, a chemotherapy agent commonly used in cancer treatment protocols. It is often prescribed for conditions such as:

  • Ovarian cancer
  • AIDS related Kaposi sarcoma
  • Multiple myeloma

Because it is administered intravenously, any contamination in the vial can create serious safety concerns.

Reason for the Recall

The recall was initiated after glass particles were detected in some vials during production quality inspections.

Glass contamination in injectable medications is considered a serious pharmaceutical defect. Even microscopic particles can pose significant risks when introduced directly into the bloodstream.

The company stated that the issue was identified during internal manufacturing review and not necessarily through patient reports. At the time of the recall announcement, no adverse events had been officially reported for this specific batch.

Sun Pharma has stated that it has investigated the root cause and implemented corrective and preventive actions to avoid recurrence.

Potential Health Risks of Glass Particles in IV Drugs

Glass particles in intravenous medications can present multiple medical risks depending on size, quantity, and patient condition.

Possible complications include:

  • Local irritation at the injection site
  • Inflammatory reactions in blood vessels
  • Blockage of small blood vessels
  • Risk of embolism or clot formation
  • Tissue damage in severe cases

Cancer patients are often immunocompromised, which increases their vulnerability to complications from contaminated medications.

Healthcare professionals are advised to carefully inspect injectable products and follow recall instructions strictly.

What Hospitals and Healthcare Providers Should Do

Hospitals, pharmacies, and distributors that may have received the affected lot are instructed to take immediate action.

Recommended steps include:

  • Stop using the affected batch immediately
  • Quarantine remaining stock
  • Return the product to the supplier or distributor
  • Follow internal recall procedures for documentation
  • Notify clinical staff about the recall

Sun Pharma is contacting distributors and customers directly using overnight communication channels to ensure rapid awareness.

Replacement or return arrangements are being coordinated through the company’s recall management processor.

What Patients Should Know

Patients who may have received this medication do not need to take immediate action unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Key guidance includes:

  • Do not stop treatment without medical advice
  • Contact your oncologist if you have concerns
  • Report any unusual symptoms after infusion
  • Watch for pain, swelling, or vascular complications

Any suspected side effects should be reported through official pharmacovigilance channels.

Reporting Adverse Events

Healthcare professionals and patients can report suspected reactions or quality issues through the FDA MedWatch program, which monitors drug safety in the United States.

Reports can be submitted online or by mail through the official FDA reporting system available at FDA MedWatch Reporting.

This system helps regulatory authorities track medication safety trends and initiate further action if needed.

Role of Regulatory Authorities

The recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Regulatory oversight ensures that pharmaceutical companies comply with safety standards and take corrective action when manufacturing issues are identified.

Drug recalls like this are typically classified as precautionary when potential risks exist but no confirmed widespread patient harm has been reported.

The FDA works alongside manufacturers to:

  • Investigate contamination sources
  • Evaluate patient risk levels
  • Ensure proper recall execution
  • Prevent future manufacturing failures

Why This Recall Matters in Oncology Care

Chemotherapy drugs require extremely high manufacturing standards because they are administered to patients with weakened immune systems.

Even minor contamination can create disproportionate risks compared to standard medications. Injectable oncology drugs are especially sensitive because they bypass natural body defenses.

This recall highlights several important issues in pharmaceutical safety:

  • Importance of sterile manufacturing environments
  • Need for continuous batch testing
  • Strict quality control in injectable drugs
  • Rapid response systems for contamination events

Industry Impact and Quality Control Concerns

Pharmaceutical recalls involving injectable oncology drugs are relatively rare but taken very seriously due to the potential severity of outcomes.

Manufacturers typically respond by:

  • Reviewing production line equipment
  • Enhancing filtration systems
  • Increasing inspection frequency
  • Updating quality assurance protocols

Sun Pharma has indicated that corrective measures have already been implemented following internal investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this drug safe to use overall?

The medication itself is widely used in cancer treatment, but this recall applies only to a specific batch suspected of contamination.

What should hospitals do with existing stock?

They should stop using the batch immediately and follow return instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Has anyone been harmed?

No confirmed adverse events have been reported for this batch at the time of the recall notice.

Can patients continue treatment?

Patients should consult their healthcare provider before making any changes to their treatment plan.

SEO Summary

The Sun Pharma DOXOrubicin Hydrochloride Liposome Injection recall in 2026 highlights the importance of strict pharmaceutical manufacturing standards, especially for injectable chemotherapy drugs. The detection of glass particles in a production batch led to a voluntary recall to prevent potential patient harm.

Healthcare providers are advised to discontinue use of the affected lot, follow recall protocols, and report any adverse events through official FDA channels.

Source

FDA

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational and SEO purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about medications or medical care.

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