Vincristine | Oncovin Side Effects: Patient Death from Administration Errors

In July 2005, the Joint Commission International Center for Patient Safety released an alert entitled “Preventing Vincristine Administration Errors” detailing the dangers of improper administration of the cancer drug Vincristine, sold under the brand name Oncovin or Vincasar PFS.

The drug slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the body, and is used to treat leukemia and various other forms of cancer. The drug is only meant to be administered intravenously (injected directly into a vein), and can pose serious danger when inadvertently given intrathecally (injected into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord).

Vincristine administration errors, principally injection mistakes, have killed numerous innocent victims. If you or a family member have been harmed by a flawed vincristine injection, click here to contact us or call 1-800-541-7358 and ask to speak to attorney Fabrice N. Vincent.

When Vincristine is administered intrathecally, it can lead to serious injuries, permanent paralysis, or death. There have been a number of cases reported to various health agencies of injury or death from improper administration of the drug.

Despite repeated warnings over the years and extensive labeling requirements and standards, tragic errors related to administration errors of Vincristine continue to occur.

Vincristine | Oncovin | Vincasar and Safety Issues

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) requires that a label stating “FATAL IF GIVEN INTRATHECALLY. FOR IV USE ONLY. DO NOT REMOVE COVERING UNTIL MOMENT OF INJECTION” be applied to each syringe of Vincristine by the person doing the dispensing, as well as to an overwrap in which each syringe is to be placed. Despite the labeling requirements and dispensing standards, some health care workers may not be aware of these requirements.

Furthermore, even in the event that a syringe is properly labeled and packaged, if it is prematurely removed from the overwrap, a physician -- whose attention is focused on performing a procedure -- may overlook the labeling and inadvertently use the Vinchristine syringe instead of a medication intended for intrathecal injection.

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Various other reported reasons for error also exist. Therefore, the intrathecal injection of Vincristine can be the end-result of either a single error or a series of system errors, all of which can be prevented through implementation and enforcement of appropriate safety protocols.

Recommendations for Preventing Vincristine Dispensing Errors

In its alert, the Joint Commission International Center for Patient Safety provides the following recommendations for preparing, dispensing, and administering intravenous Vincristine:

Dilute intravenous Vincristine in a volume—ideally for IV infusion in a minibag—that precludes administration via the intrathecal route.
If Vincristine is to be administered via syringe, clearly label each Vincristine syringe: "FATAL IF GIVEN INTRATHECALLY. FOR IV USE ONLY. DO NOT REMOVE COVERING UNTIL MOMENT OF INJECTION." Each syringe also must be placed in an overwrap carrying the same label warning.
Do not dispense intravenous Vincristine (or any IV medication) in a manner that would permit it to be administered at a time and location where intrathecal medications are administered. If a dedicated location for intrathecal administration is not possible, the pharmacy should not dispense IV Vincristine to a location where intrathecal medications are administered until it receives confirmation that intrathecal drug administration is not imminent or has been completed.
Conduct a "time out" with at least two qualified health care professionals to independently verify and document the drug, dose and route at the time of pharmacy preparation of intravenous Vincristine and before each administration of intravenous Vincristine.

Contact A Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered from an error in the administration of Vincristine or Oncovin, please click here to contact Lieff Cabraser or contact Lieff Cabraser lawyer Fabrice N. Vincent toll-free at 1-800-541-7358.

There is no charge for your email message or telephone call. We will review your claim for free and without any obligation on your part. Lieff Cabraser has successfully represented families of patients who died from Vincristine or Oncovin side effects.

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Founded in 1972, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP is an over fifty attorney law firm with offices in San Francisco, New York and Nashville. For the last seven years, the National Law Journal has recognized Lieff Cabraser as one of the top 20 plaintiff law firms in America.

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