Despite the Central government imposing a ban on the pain killer Analgin over a month ago because of possible side-effects of the drug, it is still available across counters at many pharmacies in the city.
Analgin was among three drugs whose manufacture, sale and distribution was banned by the Central government in June, after it was found that these drugs were likely to trigger side-effects in its users.
It may be noted that a ban was also imposed on the formulations containing the drug, as safer alternatives were available. The other drugs that were banned included an anti-diabetes and an anti-depressant. The ban on the anti-diabetes drug was, however, revoked in July. Though bigger pharmacies inform buyers about the ban imposed on Analgin and the safer alternatives that are readily available, small pharmacies sell the drug that is available under various trade names.
Doctors say Analgin posed serious health risks and the painkiller could cause various ailments like bone marrow suppression and agranulocytosis, a condition wherein the white blood cell count drops. Explaining the procedure of banning a drug, officials at the Directorate of Drugs Control said, once a drug is banned, circulars are dispatched to chemist and druggist associations in every State, who in turn pass on the information to their members.
Stating that manufacturers are allotted a time frame to withdraw the drugs from pharmacies, S Abdul Khader, director of Directorate of Drugs Control, said, “If the manufacturers do not adhere to the deadline, we seize the drugs and proceed against them legally.”
Meanwhile, officials of Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association said the circular informing about the ban on Analgin was forwarded to all the members; the delay in taking the drug out of the market was on the side of the manufacturers.
Anandan, general secretary of Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association, said, “The usage of the drug is rare since better alternatives are available. Besides, the production too is low. However, once a particular drug is banned, the manufacturers are supposed to withdraw it. But sometimes the withdrawal gets delayed owing to shortage of manpower on their end.”
