Substandard Drugs in India: A Growing Concern
CDSCO Flags Over 50 Common Medications
In August 2024, a shocking report revealed that more than 50 commonly used medications—including paracetamol and vitamin D3—failed quality tests. Here's what you need to know.
As someone who values health and wellness, it’s disheartening to learn that many medications we rely on daily are not up to standard. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recently issued alerts about 53 drugs deemed “not of standard quality” (NSQ) and five that are classified as spurious or adulterated. This is a serious concern for all of us who depend on these medicines for our health.
The Fallout
The list of substandard drugs includes a wide range of medications, from antibiotics to antacids. Some of the most familiar names on the list include Pan-D, a popular antacid, and various blood pressure medications. This news is particularly alarming as these are drugs we often reach for without hesitation.
The Risks
Consuming substandard medications can have severe consequences. These drugs may be ineffective, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. In some cases, they could even be harmful, causing adverse reactions or exacerbating existing health conditions.
What Happened?
The CDSCO discovered that various medications, ranging from pain relievers like paracetamol to essential supplements like calcium and vitamin D3, failed quality tests. They compiled two lists: one detailing 48 drugs that fell short of quality standards and another with five drugs labeled as spurious. Among these, familiar names such as Pan-D and multiple blood pressure medications made the cut. It's alarming to think these are medications we often take without a second thought.
Why Should You Care?
The implications of consuming substandard medications are severe. Imagine taking what you think is a safe and effective treatment, only to find out it’s ineffective or, worse, harmful. Not only does this compromise our health, but it also erodes trust in the healthcare system.
The Impact on Common Medications
Among the drugs flagged, paracetamol (a staple in many medicine cabinets) is particularly concerning. If this pain reliever isn’t up to par, how can we trust its efficacy when we really need it? Other notable medications that have failed quality tests include:
List of Medications Declared "Not of Standard Quality"
Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablets IP (Clavam 625)
Amoxycillin & Potassium Clavulanate Tablets (Mexclav 625)
Calcium and Vitamin D3 Tablets IP (Shelcal 500)
Metformin Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Tablets IP (Glycimet-SR-500)
Vitamin B Complex with Vitamin C Softgels
Rifmin 550 (Rifaximin Tablets 550 mg)
Pantoprazole Gastro-Resistant and Domperidone Prolonged-Release Capsules IP (Pan-D)
Paracetamol Tablets IP 500 mg
Montair LC Kid (Montelukast Sodium & Levocetirizine Hydrochloride Dispersible Tablets)
Compound Sodium Lactate Injection I.P. (Ringer Lactate Solution for Injection) (RL 500 ml)
Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Tablets IP 120 mg
Laxnorm Solution (Lactulose Solution USP)
Heparin Sodium Injection 5000 Units (Hostranil Injection)
Buflam Forte Suspension (Ibuprofen & Paracetamol Oral Suspension)
Cepodem XP 50 Dry Suspension (Cefpodoxime Proxetil and Potassium Clavulanate Oral Suspension)
Nimesulide, Paracetamol and Chlorzoxazone Tablets (NICIP MR)
Rolled Gauze (Non-Sterilized)
Ciprofloxacin Tablets I.P. 500 mg (Ocif-500)
Nimesulide, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride & Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Tablets (Nunim-Cold)
Adrenaline Injection I.P. Sterile 1 ml
Compound Sodium Lactate Injection I.P. (Ringer Lactate Solution for Injection) RL 500 ml
Vingel XL Pro Gel (Diclofenac Diethylamine, Linseed Oil, Methyl Salicylate and Menthol Gel)
Atropine Sulphate Injection IP 2 ml
Cefoperazone & Sulbactam For Injection (Todaycef 1.5 G)
Heparin Sodium Injection IP 25000 IU / 5ml
Cefepime & Tazobactam for Injection (Crupime - TZ Kid Injection)
Atropine Sulphate Injection I.P.
Salbutamol, Bromhexine HCI, Guaifenesin and Mentho Syrup (Acozil Expectorant)
Diclofenac Sodium IP
Escitalopram and Clonazepam Tablets IP (Klozaps-ES Tablets)
Phenytoin Sodium Injection USP
Paracetamol, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride and Cetirizine Hydrochloride Suspension (Cethel Cold DS Suspension)
Calcium 500 mg with Vitamin D3 250 IU Tablets IP
Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablets IP 625 mg (Renamega-CV 625)
Olmesartan Medoxomil Tablets IP 40 mg
INFUSION SET-NV
Telmisartan Tablets IP 40 mg
Alprazolam Tablets IP 0.25 mg (Erazol-0.25 Tablets)
Glimepiride Tablets IP (2 mg)
Metronidazole Tablets IP 400 mg
List of Spurious/Adulterated/Misbranded Drugs
Pulmosil (Sildenafil Injection)
Pantocid (Pantoprazole Tablets IP)
Ursocol 300 (Ursodeoxycholic Acid Tablets IP)
Telma H (Telmisartan 40 mg and Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg Tablets IP)
Deflazacort Tablets (Defcort 6 Tablets)
What Can You Do?
Check Your Medicine Cabinet: Look for any medications listed in the CDSCO alert. If you find them, avoid using them until you can verify their quality.
Consult Your Doctor: If you’re taking any medications that have been flagged, speak with your healthcare provider about alternatives or replacements.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from regulatory bodies like the CDSCO. They provide vital information regarding the safety and quality of medications.
Demand Quality: Share this information with friends and family. Together, we can advocate for higher standards in the pharmaceutical industry.
A Call for Action
The revelation of substandard medications is a wake-up call for all of us. It's a reminder that our health is precious and deserves the utmost attention. Let's demand quality and safety in the medicines we consume. By being informed and vigilant, we can protect ourselves and ensure that the healthcare system in India delivers on its promise of providing safe and effective treatments.
This alarming revelation highlights the need for stricter quality control measures in India's pharmaceutical industry.
Drugs Under Scrutiny
The drugs flagged by the CDSCO include popular medications for various conditions, such as high blood pressure, acid reflux, and erectile dysfunction. Some of the well-known brands affected include Pulmosil, Pantocid, and Telma H.
Manufacturers Respond
Several pharmaceutical companies have denied responsibility for the substandard batches, claiming that the products were spurious or not manufactured by them. However, the CDSCO's findings raise serious questions about quality control measures within the industry.
Impact on Public Health
Consuming substandard medications can pose significant risks to public health. These drugs may be ineffective or even harmful, leading to adverse health outcomes. It is crucial for patients to be aware of the affected medications and to consult with their healthcare providers for guidance.
The CDSCO's findings underscore the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the quality and safety of medicines in India. The government, pharmaceutical industry, and healthcare professionals must work together to address this issue and protect public health.
Reference:
Business Standard: https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/cdsco-flags-substandard-batches-in-over-50-commonly-prescribed-drugs-124092600762_1.html
The Economic Times: https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/cdsco-finds-50-common-medicines-substandard-including-those-for-fever-blood-pressure-diabetes-and-acid-reflux/articleshow/113688521.cms?UTM_Source=Google_Newsstand&UTM_Campaign=RSS_Feed&UTM_Medium=Referral
Stay Informed:
It's essential to stay updated on the latest developments regarding substandard medications in India. Regularly check news sources and follow the guidelines issued by the CDSCO and other health authorities.
The Bottom Line
The quality of medications is not just a statistic; it’s a matter of life and health. As consumers, we need to be vigilant and proactive. Let’s not take our health for granted—stay informed, check your medications, and advocate for better quality control in the pharmaceutical industry. Remember, our health is our greatest asset, and it’s worth protecting!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The mention of specific medications or drugs is based on publicly available information and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.
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