Mumbai, September 26: In a concerning development, India’s Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) has flagged 53 commonly prescribed drugs as "Not of Standard Quality" (NSQ) in its latest monthly alert. The affected medications include popular treatments for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, acid reflux, and vitamin deficiencies, raising serious safety and efficacy concerns. Among the drugs listed are well-known brands such as Shelcal, Pan-D, and Glimepiride, with manufacturers like Hetero Drugs, Alkem Laboratories, and Hindustan Antibiotics Limited involved. Government Bans 156 Fixed-Dose Combination Drugs, Including Popular Pain Relievers and Cold Medicines, Citing Safety Risks.

The CDSCO's alert highlights a variety of medications that have failed quality tests, underscoring the need for rigorous oversight in the pharmaceutical sector. Paracetamol, Including 52 Drug Samples, Fail Regulatory Body CDSCO's Quality Test.

Some of the notable drugs identified in the alert include:

  1. Shelcal (Calcium and Vitamin D3): Manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals and Pure and Cure Healthcare.

  2. Pan-D (Antacid):  Produced by Hetero Drugs.

  3. Paracetamol 500 mg: From Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

  4. Glimepiride (Anti-diabetic): Manufactured by Hetero Drugs.

  5. Telmisartan (Blood pressure medication): Produced by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals.

  6. Metronidazole (Antibiotic): Manufactured by Hindustan Antibiotics Limited (HAL).

  7. Cepodem XP 50 Dry Suspension: From Hetero Drugs.

  8. Clavam 625 (Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate): Produced by Alkem Health Science.

  9. Pantocid (for acid reflux): Manufactured by Sun Pharmaceuticals.

The CDSCO conducts random sampling of drugs to ensure compliance with established quality standards, generating alerts when products do not meet specifications. This process involves state drug officers who collect samples and submit them for testing in accredited laboratories. If a drug fails quality checks, the CDSCO issues an NSQ alert, prompting further investigation and corrective actions.

Following the identification of these substandard drugs, the CDSCO has issued alerts to inform healthcare providers and the public. Pharmaceutical companies have responded by disputing the findings, claiming that some flagged batches are not of their production.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2024 12:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).