Zee Media Bureau
New Delhi: In a significant step, the Indian Health Ministry has banned around 350 fixed dose combination (FDC) drugs that are widely available in the market over safety concerns.
These medicines are also incorporated FDCs based on codine, used in popular cough syrups like Phensedyl and Corex.
As per the Times of India (TOI) report, the Health Ministry has already approved the ban order with immediate effect from Friday, although the gazette notification is likely to be printed by Monday.
It is said that these drugs contain codeine which cause lethal damage to brain and psyche, prompting the government to restrict manufacturing and sale of these medicines. These drugs were found to be “irrational” without any therapeutic efficacy and use.
Also, there were concerns about the misuse of these medicines as they were considered unsafe for mass consumption, adds the report.
The Health Ministry has also reportedly issued a show cause notices to companies manufacturing and selling these drugs.
