Paracetamol and 53 Other Medicines Fail Quality Tests: Risks Include Vitamins, Blood Pressure Drugs, and Antibiotics
Paracetamol Among 53 Drugs Failing Quality Tests: A Serious Health Concern
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), India’s largest drug regulatory body, has released a list of 53 medicines that have failed quality tests. This alarming list includes not only paracetamol but also vitamins, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, and several antibiotics. These drugs are produced by well-known companies like Hetero Drugs, Alkem Laboratories, Hindustan Antibiotics Limited (HAL), and Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Failed Medicines Include Common Vitamins and Calcium Supplements
The CDSCO list also includes calcium and vitamin D3 supplements, antidiabetic tablets, and medicines for high blood pressure. The failures extend to widely-used drugs like clonazepam, prescribed for anxiety, painkiller diclofenac, ambroxol for respiratory issues, antifungal fluconazole, and various multivitamin and calcium tablets.
Counterfeit Drugs Also Identified
Out of the 53 medicines listed, five have been identified as counterfeit, meaning that companies have confirmed they are not genuine products but fake versions being sold under their brand names.
Government Action on Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) Drugs
In August, the Indian government banned 156 fixed dose combination (FDC) drugs, commonly used for fever, cold, pain relief, multivitamins, and antibiotics. According to the government, the use of these drugs poses risks to human health, prompting a nationwide ban on their production, distribution, and use. This decision was based on recommendations from the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, which stated that there is no medical justification for the combination of ingredients present in these FDC drugs.
Hair and Skincare Products Also Under Scrutiny
The banned list also includes drugs used for hair treatment, skincare, anti-allergic purposes, and parasitic infections. Despite the ban, alternative medications are available in the market, ensuring that patients can find safe substitutes.
Free Drug Program in Rajasthan Faces Issues
In May, samples from 10 drugs supplied under Rajasthan’s Chief Minister’s Free Drug Scheme failed quality tests. The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSC) has banned the supply of these medicines, which include antifungal tablets, injections for severe malaria patients, eye drops, and Asthalin, a medication used for respiratory problems.
