The end of the year 2024 is near and this year brought many important changes for the healthcare sector of India. Giving priority to health, the government took strict action against those drugs which could pose a threat to public health. Union Health Ministry Banned the production, distribution, and marketing of 156 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs. These include widely used medicines for diabetes, painkillers, antibiotics and multivitamins.
What are FDC drugs?
Fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs are those that contain a combination of two or more active drugs. These are often called “cocktail drugs.”
- These medicines were created to facilitate the treatment of patients.
- But in many cases their wrong or over-use has proved to be dangerous for health.
Which medicines were banned?
- pain and fever medicines,
- Mefenamic acid + paracetamol injection.
- Medicines containing high doses of paracetamol.
- urine infection medicines,
- Combination of ofloxacin and flavozet.
- Female infertility medicines,
- Some medicines used in the treatment of female infertility.
- Vitamins and Multivitamins,
- Medicines containing very high doses of vitamin D.
- Some combination of minerals and multivitamins.
- eye medicines,
- Naphazoline + Chlorpheniramine Maleate Combination.
- A mixture of phenylephrine + hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
- Antibiotics,
- other medicines,
- Medicines used for migraine, stomach pain, acidity and vomiting.
examples of major drugs
Ministry of Health “Aceclofenac 50mg + Paracetamol 125mg Tablets” Common painkillers have also been banned. Apart from this, a drug “containing phenylephrine”, which was used in cold, cough and catarrh, was also banned.
- Danger of Phenylephrine,
- Excessive use increases the risk of heart disease and blood pressure.
- Study confirms its side effects.
Impact on major pharmaceutical companies
This ban will affect many big pharmaceutical companies, which include companies like Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Torrent Pharma and Alkem Laboratories.
Why was this step taken?
The Health Ministry said that the use of these medicines can have serious side effects on health.
- warning in gazette notice,
“This decision has been taken based on the health risks associated with these medicines.”
positive effects on health
- Reducing side effects of medicines.
- Providing safe and effective treatment to patients.
- Avoiding the problem of over-use and wrong dosage.
Government’s strictness: a necessary step
In 2024, the government took strict steps for the safety of the public. Recognizing the dangers of the drugs which were in widespread use, the Ministry imposed strict restrictions. This initiative will promote safe and responsible medicine use in the health sector.
Comments are closed.