Rajasthan Issues Statewide Alert Over Spurious Antibiotic Qcepod 200
Drug control authorities in Rajasthan have declared a statewide alert following laboratory tests that exposed a critical issue with Qcepod 200, a third-generation antibiotic widely sold across the state. The tests confirmed that the drug contains no traces of its active ingredient, cephalosporin, rendering it completely ineffective for medical use.
Details of the Spurious Drug Batch
A sample from batch number VT 242312 was officially declared spurious in a test report received on Friday. Officials emphasized that without cephalosporin, the drug fails to treat serious bacterial infections, including:
- Brain infections (meningitis)
- Lung infections (pneumonia)
- Respiratory tract infections
- Skin infections
- Urinary tract infections
Authorities revealed that 3,100 strips of this batch were supplied to Rajasthan by VADSP Pharmaceutical, a company based in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. So far, 2,186 strips have been seized, along with 20 sample strips and six control samples. Efforts are underway to trace the remaining stock.
Immediate Actions and Market Withdrawal
The health department has directed all drug officers to withdraw the remaining strips from the market to prevent further sales. Ajay Phatak, Rajasthan drug controller (I), stated, "We have talked to our counterparts in Himachal Pradesh to take immediate measures against the company which supplied the fake drugs. We have shared with them all details related to Qcepod 200 failing quality tests."
A special team of Rajasthan drug officers is scheduled to visit the manufacturing unit in Baddi with support from Himachal Pradesh officials. This case emerged after drug officers collected samples from the Indian Medical Agency (IMA) in Bharatpur over a month ago.
Investigation and Seizure of Spurious Drugs
Investigators found that the spurious drug was supplied by VADSP Pharmaceutical to Jaipur-based Iqumed Healthcare. During an inspection of Iqumed's facilities, officers discovered spurious drugs valued at more than Rs 4 lakh stored for sale. The stock was seized after obtaining appropriate custody orders from the court, highlighting the severity of the issue and the ongoing crackdown on counterfeit medications in the region.
