CDSCO Flags Spurious, Sub-Standard Drugs
In a recent monthly report, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), India’s main drug regulatory body, has identified multiple drugs as either spurious or sub-standard following routine quality checks. Among the flagged drugs are popular medications like Shelcal 500, a calcium supplement, and Pan D, an antacid.
Routine Quality Survey Reveals Spurious Drugs
The CDSCO’s quality control survey, part of regular checks across the market, involves random sampling of medicines to ensure safety and efficacy. This month’s report flagged four drugs as spurious, meaning these drugs were not manufactured by the brands indicated on their packaging, a serious violation of regulatory standards.
Additional Drugs Found to Be Sub-Standard
Alongside the spurious drugs, 49 samples from other medications were deemed Not of Standard Quality (NSQ). The NSQ label means that while these drugs were indeed manufactured by the listed brands, certain batches failed to meet specific quality benchmarks set by the regulatory body. The report includes commonly used medications, such as metformin, used to manage diabetes, and paracetamol, a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer.
Comments from the Drug Controller General of India
According to Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drug Controller General of India, NSQ drugs failed on certain quality parameters. “These findings only pertain to the specific batches and manufacturers noted in the list,” he clarified, reassuring that drugs from other batches and companies were not affected.
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The CDSCO’s routine checks are part of its mandate to maintain high-quality standards in medicines accessible to the public and ensure the reliability and safety of pharmaceutical products in India.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
Priya Bairagi
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
