Paracetamol to Pantop: CDSCO’s Latest Report on Sub-Standard Medicines

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recently flagged over 50 drugs as “not of standard quality” (NSQ). This alarming revelation has significant implications for public health and safety. Here are the key points you need to know:

1. Scope of the Issue: The CDSCO identified over 50 drugs, including widely used medications like Paracetamol and Pantoprazole, as sub-standard.
2. Types of Medications Affected: The list includes a variety of drugs such as calcium and vitamin D3 supplements, anti-diabetes pills, and high blood pressure medicines.
3. Specific Drugs Highlighted: Notable mentions include Paracetamol tablets from Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Ltd, and calcium and vitamin D3 tablets from Pure & Cure Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
4. Geographical Spread: The sub-standard drugs were produced in various regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Hyderabad, Waghodia, Vadodara, Andhra Pradesh, and Indore.
5. Pharmaceutical Companies Involved: Companies like Hetero Drugs, Alkem Laboratories, Hindustan Antibiotics Limited (HAL), and Meg Lifesciences were among those flagged.
6. Industry Response: Some pharmaceutical companies have denied responsibility, claiming that the flagged drugs are spurious and not manufactured by them.
7. Regulatory Actions: The CDSCO conducts monthly random sampling to ensure drug quality, and this report is part of their ongoing efforts to maintain high standards.
8. Public Health Concerns: The failure of commonly used drugs like Paracetamol to meet quality standards raises significant public health concerns, especially for medications used for pain and fever relief.
9. Historical Context: This is not the first time the CDSCO has flagged sub-standard drugs. Previous reports have also highlighted similar issues, indicating a persistent problem in the pharmaceutical industry.
10. Consumer Awareness: It is crucial for consumers to stay informed about the quality of medications they use and to report any adverse effects to healthcare providers immediately.