Centre Bans 156 Combination Drugs

On 21st August, 2024, the Central Government banned 156 combination drugs commonly used as painkillers, antibiotics, and multivitamins, citing risks to human health and the availability of safer alternatives.

Key Points

Prohibited Drugs: The banned drugs include Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) like Amylase, Protease, and other enzymes, which the government deems likely to pose health risks.
Expert Committee's Role: An expert committee appointed by the Central Government reviewed these FDCs and found their administration to be “irrational,” leading to the ban.
No Therapeutic Justification: The Drugs Technical Advisory Board concluded that the ingredients in these FDCs lack therapeutic justification and may endanger human health.
Impact on Pharmaceutical Companies: Pharmaceutical companies are required to provide supporting data for their products; those lacking sufficient data must withdraw their products from the market.
Ban on Common Ailment Drugs: The list of banned drugs also includes those used for common ailments like fever, cold, hair treatments, skincare, and anti-allergics.
Review of Multivitamins: The government is currently reviewing 34 multivitamins, with new regulations prohibiting states from approving drug combinations independently.
Public Health Concerns: The government’s decision aligns with efforts to prioritize patient safety and ensure that only effective and safe drugs are available in the market.