Indian Government Takes Steps to Improve Drug Safety
The Indian government has banned 14 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs, citing that there is “no therapeutic justification” for these medicines. The ban comes after a recommendation from an expert committee, which found that the drugs were not safe or effective.
FDCs are drugs that combine two or more active ingredients in a single pill or tablet. They are often used to treat common ailments, such as coughs, colds, and fever. However, the expert committee found that many FDCs were being sold without any scientific evidence to support their safety or effectiveness.
The ban includes a wide range of drugs, including:
- Nimesulide + Paracetamol dispersible tablets
- Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Caffeine
- Amoxicillin + Bromhexine
- Pholcodine + Promethazine
- Imipramine + Diazepam
- Chlorpheniramine maleate+ Dextromethorphan+Dextromethorphan + Guaifenesin + Ammonium Menthol
- Chlorpheniramine Maleate +Codeine Syrup
- Ammonium Chloride + Bromhexine + Dextromethorph
- Bromhexine +Dextromethorphan +Ammonium Chloride + Menthol
- Dextromethorphan +Chlorpheniramine + Guaifenesin+ Ammonium Chloride
- Caffeine + Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine
- Paracetamol + Bromhexine +Phenylephrine +Chlorpheniramine+Guaifenesin
- Salbutamol + Bromhexine
- Chlorpheniramine +Codeine phosphate + Menthol
- Phenytoin + Phenobarbitone sodium
- Paracetamol + Propyphenazone + Caffeine
- Ammonium Chloride + Sodium Citrate + Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Menthol
- Salbutamol + Hydroxyethyltheophylline (Etofylline) + Bromhexine
- Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Ammonium Chloride + Sodium Citrate
The ban is a major victory for public health advocates, who have long argued that FDCs are a major source of drug-related harm in India. FDCs are often unregulated and can contain dangerous ingredients, such as antibiotics and steroids. They can also interact with other medications, leading to serious side effects.
The ban is also a sign of the Indian government’s commitment to improving public health. The government has made a number of reforms in recent years to improve the safety and quality of drugs in India. These reforms have included strengthening the regulatory framework for drugs, increasing investment in drug research and development, and promoting the use of generic drugs.
The ban on FDCs is a positive step for public health in India. It will help to protect people from dangerous and ineffective drugs. It is also a sign of the government’s commitment to improving the health of its citizens.
In addition to the ban on FDCs, the government has also taken other steps to improve the safety of drugs in India. These include:
- Strengthening the regulatory framework for drugs: The government has strengthened the regulatory framework for drugs by creating a new regulatory body, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). CDSCO is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of drugs in India.
- Increasing investment in drug research and development: The government has increased investment in drug research and development. This will help to ensure that India has access to safe and effective drugs.
- Promoting the use of generic drugs: The government has promoted the use of generic drugs. Generic drugs are safe and effective, and they are much cheaper than brand-name drugs.
The ban on FDCs and other reforms are a positive step for public health in India. They will help to protect people from dangerous and ineffective drugs. They are also a sign of the government’s commitment to improving the health of its citizens.
