Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

The central government has prohibited as many as 156 <keyword id="22893276" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="combination-drugs" source="keywords">combination drugs</keyword> that are often administered as painkillers, multivitamins, and antibiotics, for fever and cold, among others. In a gazette notification dated August 21, the government said that the use of the drug Fixed Dose Combination of Amylase, Protease, Glucoamylase, Pectinase, Alpha Galactosidase, Lactase, Beta-Gluconase, Cellulase, Lipase, Bromelain, Xylanase, Hemicellulase, Malt diastase, Invertase, Papain is likely to involve risk to human beings whereas safer alternatives to the said drug are available. Upon recommendations of the <keyword id="20092000" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Drugs-Technical-Advisory-Board" source="keywords">Drugs Technical Advisory Board</keyword>, the central government, in the greater interest of the public, has prohibited the manufacture for sale, sale, and distribution for human use of those drugs across the country with immediate effect. The move from the government comes after the matter was examined by an expert committee appointed by the central government, and the said expert committee considered the administration of this Fixed Dose Combination as "irrational". The Drugs Technical Advisory Board also examined the said FDC and recommended that "there is no therapeutic justification for the ingredients contained in this FDC. The FDC may involve risk to human beings. Hence in the larger public interest, it is necessary to prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution of this FDC under section 26 A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940. In view of above, any kind of regulation or restriction to allow for any use in patients is not justifiable," the notification read. The list of banned drugs also includes drugs used for hair treatments, antiparasitic, skincare, anti-allergic. The medicines combined in more than one drug in a single pill are Fixed dose combination drugs FDC, these drugs are also known as cocktail drugs. The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance supports the decision of the government. Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, IPA told that, "this has been going for many years and there was a committee which reviewed the whole thing... This is a right step in the interest of patients and all aspects have been taken into consideration." "They have given the opportunity to give the data to support their products, so the right products will continue and when there is no data to support then companies have to withdraw it," Jain added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/2024-tvs-jupiter-vs-honda-activa-6g-which-110cc-scooter-should-you-buy/slidelist/112730069.cms">2024 TVS Jupiter vs Honda Activa 6G – which 110cc scooter should you buy?</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/how-to/how-to-add-music-to-instagram-profile/articleshow/112732934.cms">You can now add music to your Instagram profile – here's how</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/audi-q8-facelift-launched-in-india-with-a-1-17-crore-price-tag/slidelist/112707701.cms">Audi Q8 facelift launched in India with a ₹1.17 crore price tag</a>

India bans 156 commonly used combination drugs citing possible risks to humans

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword> has ordered a fresh enquiry of banned combination drugs after repeated reviews and recommendations from <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>’s drug advisory panel. </li><li>The Court announced its decision while hearing a plea from drug manufacturers <keyword id="45692" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Piramal-Healthcare">Piramal Healthcare</keyword>, <keyword id="78710" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="GlaxoSmithKline">GlaxoSmithkline</keyword> and Juggat Pharma who have challenged the ban. </li><li>India’s drug advisory panel has said these drug combinations could be potentially toxic to consumers and lack therapeutic justification. </li></ul> A week after the government <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-government-bans-several-painkillers-diabetes-and-antibiotic-drugs-over-safety-concerns/articleshow/65793205.cms">banned</a> the sale and distribution of over 328 ‘fixed dose combination’ drugs including several painkillers over safety concerns, the Supreme Court has lifted the <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Politics/LuFyd157Sb7PocoD5JtaZL/Supreme-Court-lifts-ban-on-sale-of-Saridon-and-2-other-drugs.html">ban</a> on popular painkiller <keyword id="1840022" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Saridon">Saridon</keyword> and two other drugs citing a technicality. A Supreme Court bench announced its decision while hearing a plea from drug manufacturers Piramal Healthcare, GlaxoSmithkline and Juggat Pharma who claimed their combination drugs should be allowed as they were first manufactured and granted regulatory clearance before 1988, the cut-off year for the government’s current ban. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court had directed the government to conduct yet another enquiry to evaluate the safety of at least 15 fixed dose combination drugs that were <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-allows-sale-of-saridon-3-other-drugs-5361027/">reportedly</a> manufactured before 1988. It was not immediately clear if Saridon, Piriton expectorant and Dart, the other two drugs granted relief by the court, would still be subject to fresh safety tests. The Supreme Court ordered the fresh enquiry of these combination drugs after repeated reviews and recommendations from India’s drug advisory panel, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, which has said these drug combinations could be potentially toxic to consumers and lacked therapeutic justification. The most recent ban came three years after the panel had cited similar concerns recommending an outright ban before being ordered to conduct another review by the Supreme Court late last year. A pharmaceutical trade group, the Federation of Pharma Entrepreneurs, representing makers of FDCs affected by the ban has <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/sc-exempts-saridon-piriton-expectorant-from-governments-ban-list/articleshow/65839739.cms">claimed</a> the government and the safety review panel have not followed due process in instituting the ban. Pharma companies have also <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-allows-sale-of-saridon-3-other-drugs-5361027/">contended </a>the Drug Technical Advisory Board’s review report behind the ban was never given to them. A long battle The government on its part has been seeking to ban these combination drugs -- which contain two or more active ingredients -- for nearly a decade. The review and recommendations have been ongoing for years with India’s Drugs Technical Advisory Board behind these repeated recommendations. According to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/govt-bans-popular-painkiller-327-other-unsafe-fixed-dose-drugs/articleshow/65790311.cms">estimates</a> by All India Drug Action Network, one of the petitioners behind the ban, problematic FDCs in India makes up a quarter of the total pharma market in India valued at ₹1.3 trillion ($14 billion) “The people of India have been made the consumers of unsafe medicines for too long and this is one step towards rectifying the grave situation of a pharma market brimming with innumerable irrational FDCs,” the drug network said in a recent <a href="https://aidanindia.wordpress.com/">statement. </a>

Here’s why the Supreme Court has exempted Saridon from the ban on FDCs

<ul><li>The ban affects an estimated 6,000 brands of ‘fixed dose combination’ drugs.</li><li>A drug review panel deems these drugs potentially toxic. </li><li>Popular painkiller <keyword id="1840022" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Saridon">Saridon</keyword> and skin ointment <keyword id="6875076" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="panderm">Panderm</keyword> among those banned.</li></ul>The government on Wednesday banned the sale and distribution of over 328 ‘fixed dose combination’ drugs and restricted six others over safety concerns, a move that affects an estimated 6,000 brands of such <keyword id="306491" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="FDC">FDC</keyword> drugs. Among the brands that have been banned include the popular painkiller Saridon; Panderm, a skin ointment; Diabetes drug <keyword id="6875077" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="gluconorm">Gluconorm</keyword> PG; and antibiotic drug Lupidiclox, the Times of <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/65790311.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=cppst">reported.</a> The government had sought to restrict the combination drugs as early as 2010 followed by a review by India’s drug advisory panel, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, which recommended an outright ban over three years ago. The ban was contested by several drug makers and the matter wound up in courts with the Supreme Court ordering a fresh review by the panel late last year. ‘Irrational’ and ‘unsafe’ The drug review committee deemed these FDC drugs -- which have more than two active ingredients in a single dose -- lacked therapeutic justification and the combinations potentially toxic terming them “irrational” and “unsafe.” According to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/govt-bans-popular-painkiller-327-other-unsafe-fixed-dose-drugs/articleshow/65790311.cms">estimates</a> by <keyword id="799945" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="All-India-Drug-Action-Network">All India Drug Action Network</keyword>, one of the petitioners behind the ban, the market for unsafe, problematic FDCs in India makes up a quarter of the total pharma market in India valued at ₹1.3 trillion ($14 billion). In a recent statement it noted that the FDCs under scrutiny account for approximately ₹25 billion in sales and “represent only the tip of the iceberg.” “The people of India have been made the consumers of unsafe medicines for too long and this is one step towards rectifying the grave situation of a pharma market brimming with innumerable irrational FDCs,” the drug network said in a recent <a href="https://aidanindia.wordpress.com/">statement. </a> Indian drug makers body, The Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) has <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Politics/6aT2TnCIpzTEO7ZG7cYAkJ/Govt-prohibits-manufacture-supply-sale-of-328-FDC-drugs.html">said </a>it “respects” the verdict as responsible citizens of India, adding it has never advocated “irrational” FDCs but believes in the “advantages of patient convenience and compliance” that these combination drugs provide.

Indian government bans several painkillers, diabetes and antibiotic drugs over safety concerns

Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP PhotoPresident Donald Trump meets and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in November 2018.<ul class="summary-list"><li>India has lifted its partial ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malarial drug that President Donald Trump has repeatedly touted as a coronavirus prevention and cure.</li><li>Only hours earlier Trump had warned of "retaliation" if India, one of the world's largest pharmaceuticals producers, did not reconsider the export ban.</li><li>India had imposed a partial ban on exports of the drug to protect domestic supplies.</li><li>There's still no conclusive evidence that hydroxychloroquine can prevent or treat the coronavirus.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>India has lifted its near-total ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine - a anti-malarial drug touted without evidence as a potential coronavirus prevention and cure - after being threatened by President Donald Trump. Trump has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-may-take-hydroxychloroquine-despite-no-evidence-it-works-2020-4">repeatedly claimed that the drug prevent or cure the disease</a>, and has <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1241367239900778501">described</a> it as "one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine."The Food and Drugs Administration has not established the drug as a safe or effective coronavirus cure, and top public health official have refused to endorse the substance as a cure.India had implemented a <a href="https://fortune.com/2020/03/25/coronavirus-hydroxychloroquine-trump-india-export/">partial ban</a> on foreign exports of the drug since March 25, and a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-05/india-bans-all-exports-of-trump-s-game-changer-virus-drug">total ban</a> since Saturday, to protect domestic stocks.But Trump has been placing pressure on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider, and told a Monday briefing that he disagreed with the export ban, and threatened unspecified "retaliation" against the country if it didn't comply with his wishes."I spoke to him [Modi] Sunday morning, called him, and I said we'd appreciate your allowing our supply to come out," said Trump. "If he doesn't allow it to come out, that would be OK, but of course, there may be retaliation. Why wouldn't there be?"In a statement released early Tuesday, the Indian government made no reference to Trump's threat, but announced it was partially lifting the ban in "appropriate quantities" given the "humanitarian aspects of the pandemic," reported local media. India is one of the world's largest pharmaceuticals producers, and had earlier announced partial export ban on drugs including paracetamol, which it has also now partially lifted.The country had implemented the export ban as the number of cases in the country continued to rise. As of Tuesday, the country has recorded more than 4,800 infections and 137 deaths, according to <a href="https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/india/">Worldometers</a> - though the real number of infections is believed to be far higher. Trump has for weeks pushed hydroxychloroquine as a potential coronavirus breakthrough drug, citing mainly anecdotal evidence.Experts have warned of potential negative effects on patients from taking the drug - particularly those with underlying heart conditions. Clinical trials are underway in several countries to establish whether the drug is effective as a coronavirus treatment, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/06/malaria-drug-coronavirus-trump-hydroxychloroquine-169103">but there is as yet no clear evidence</a> that the drug works. Nonetheless, the FDA has licensed discretionary use of the drug by medics to treat severely ill coronavirus patients, the federal government has purchased and stockpiled 29 million pills of the drug."There is no evidence that these drugs will help people survive, and there is evidence that they can cause substantial harm, including blindness and heart failure," Diana Zuckerman, a drug safety expert at the National Center for Health Research, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/06/malaria-drug-coronavirus-trump-hydroxychloroquine-169103">told Politico</a>."These drugs can have dangerous interactions with other drugs, which older patients with other medical conditions may also be taking."Do you have a personal experience with the coronavirus you'd like to share? Or a tip on how your town or community is handling the pandemic? Please email <a href="mailto:covidtips@businessinsider.com">covidtips@businessinsider.com</a> and tell us your story.And get the latest <a href="/coronavirus-business-impact">coronavirus analysis and research</a> from Business Insider Intelligence on how COVID-19 is impacting businesses. <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-coronavirus-contradicting-public-health-officials-2020-3">6 times Trump contradicted public officials about the coronavirus pandemic</a></h3>

India lifted its ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine - Trump's unproven coronavirus 'cure' - hours after the president threatened 'retaliation' if it didn't do so

<ul><li>The government is set to ban the manufacture, import and sale of <keyword id="141209" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-cigarettes">e-cigarettes</keyword> India as the health ministry considers it a drug. </li><li>The ban will be imposed under the provisions of Section 26 (A) of <keyword id="716386" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Drug-and-Cosmetics-Act">Drug and Cosmetics Act</keyword>, 1940. </li><li>There are 460 brands of e-cigarettes in India which come in 7,700 different flavours. </li><li>Banning e-cigarettes and related products is part of the government’s first “100 days agenda.” </li></ul>E-Cigarettes are all set to banned in India as the health ministry considers it a drug and will soon release notification to effect, <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/govt-to-ban-e-cigarettes-ends-promoters-urge-health-ministry-to-reconsider-119070300286_1.html">as per reports</a>. The central government was trying to ban the manufacture and sale of the e-cigarettes since last year. However, the rules of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act do not allow a ban though they can be regulated. However, in a drug consultative committee meeting on June 1, experts finally found their way out. They classified it as a drug which allows them to ban it under the provisions of <a href="https://upload.indiacode.nic.in/showfile?actid=AC_CEN_12_13_00023_194023_1523353460112&amp;type=rule&amp;filename=Drugs%20and%20Cosmetics%20Act,%201940%20and%20Rules,%201945.pdf">Section 26 (A) of </a>Drugs and Cosmetics Act. First Agenda Banning e-cigarettes and other related products that use liquid <keyword id="54964" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="nicotine">nicotine</keyword> solution and turn them to vapours through heat, which is finally inhaled by the user --- is a part of the new government’s first 100 days agenda. E-cigarette makers market them as products which smokers quit the habit. However, most of them are illegal and operate without a licence. “Regulatory measures to prevent the use of e-cigarettes are necessary. They are imported unlicensed products and are found to be widely sold online. The ministry is now considering to ban the product,” a health ministry official said. E-cigarettes have become a fashion statement among the youth and others. They replace the commonly used cigarettes that use tobacco leaves. Government data shows more than 460 e-cigarette brands are operating in India which provide different nicotine configurations. E-cigarettes are available in over 7,700 flavours in India. The drug consultative meeting of the health ministry also noted that the electronic nicotine delivery systems includes e-cigarettes, heat-not burn devices, vape, e-shisha, e-nicotine, flavoured hookah, and similar products are used as a tobacco cessation products.

E-cigarettes are a ‘drug’: health ministry finds way to ban the device

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The US has abruptly lost 47% of its supply of hydroxychloroquine, the drug touted by the president as a potential treatment and preventive measure for COVID-19.</li><li>Much of the drug has been produced in India, which banned exporting it.</li><li>Despite the president's claims, there is little scientific evidence that the drug is effective for fighting the novel coronavirus. It's normally used to treat lupus, arthritis, and malaria. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>The US has abruptly lost about half its incoming supply of hydroxychloroquine, the drug <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-may-take-hydroxychloroquine-despite-no-evidence-it-works-2020-4">President Donald Trump touts</a> with little evidence as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-treatment-how-to-enroll-in-hydroxychloroquine-study-2020-3">a drug to fight COVID-19</a>.Hydroxychloroquine is normally used to treat and ward off the symptoms for malaria, arthritis, and lupus. Much of it is developed in India, which on Saturday banned its export, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-06/half-the-u-s-supply-of-trump-touted-virus-drug-now-cut-off">according to Bloomberg News</a>.India provided about 47% of the US's supply, according to data from 2019 analyzed by Bloomberg News, and just a "handful" of the US suppliers of the drug are based outside of the country.At a press conference on Saturday, President Trump said a request to India to release shipments of the drug that had already been ordered was under "serious consideration." The outright ban was announced by India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade on April 4, although the country had already limited exports of the drug prior to the Saturday ban. The president as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-touts-chloroquine-for-covid-19-but-dismisses-risks-2020-4">recently as a Sunday press conference</a> has said he believes the drug should be used against COVID-19. He's even implied he might <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-may-take-hydroxychloroquine-despite-no-evidence-it-works-2020-4">take it himself</a> as a preventative measure."It's a powerful drug on malaria, and there are scientific works on this. Some strong signs," Trump said Sunday, adding that the US had a stockpile of over 29 million hydroxychloroquine pills that could be used."What do you have to lose?" he has said repeatedly, despite the medication's potential side effects and its unproven effects on COVID-19 patients. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-treatment-how-to-enroll-in-hydroxychloroquine-study-2020-3">Clinical trials</a> are currently underway. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and member of the White House Coronavirus Tasks Force, has multiple times said the evidence on the drug is unproven despite the president's claims. It is still <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-treatment-how-to-enroll-in-hydroxychloroquine-study-2020-3">undergoing clinical trials</a> for treating COVID-19."In terms of science, I don't think we could definitively say it works," Fauci said during an appearance on CBS's "<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-dr-anthony-fauci-discusses-coronavirus-on-face-the-nation-april-5-2020/">Face the Nation</a>" on Sunday. When a reporter at a press briefing on Sunday asked Fauci to answer questions about the drug, the president <a href="https://www.insider.com/trump-stopped-fauci-hydroxycholoroquine-coronavirus-2020-4">refused to allow him to answer</a>, moving the press conference toward a different topic. "He answered that question 15 times," Trump said.Erin Fox, a drug-shortage expert and the senior pharmacy director for the University of Utah's health system told Business Insider in March that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chloroquine-hydroxychloroquine-shortage-coronavirus-treatment-lupus-arthritis-2020-3">a shortage of the drug could spell trouble for those who need it</a>."People rely on this medication," Fox said. "They have chronic illnesses, and they really rely on this. Once you're stable on these therapies, it's not something that is easy to switch."India's ban on exports will likely increase prices of the medication short-term and limit supply in the long run, Bloomberg reported. The ban is aimed at ensuring the country has enough access to the drug for its own citizens, according to the report.Do you have a personal experience with the coronavirus you'd like to share? Or a tip on how your town or community is handling the pandemic? Please email <a href="mailto:covidtips@businessinsider.com">covidtips@businessinsider.com</a> and tell us your story.And get the latest <a href="/coronavirus-business-impact">coronavirus analysis and research</a> from Business Insider Intelligence on how COVID-19 is impacting businesses.

Half of the US hydroxychloroquine supply - the drug Trump touts as a possible coronavirus treatment - has been abruptly cut off

<ul><li>The Indian government is reportedly looking at banning the antibiotic <keyword id="3376610" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="colistin">Colistin</keyword>, which is used as a growth-promoting agent for animals, LiveMint reported. </li><li>The drug in question is linked to antibiotic resistance in humans. </li><li>An investigation by the London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism has also found that a key supplier of chicken to fast food eateries in India uses the drug. </li></ul>The Indian government may ban the use of the antibiotic colistin, a drug used as a growth-promoting agent in animals that has been linked to antibiotic resistance, Mint <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Industry/yt5eE5hqMLYP1px2d63Q1K/Govt-may-ban-antibiotic-colistin-used-to-fatten-chicken.html">reported</a>. The drug is already banned in many countries including <keyword id="1334" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> and Malaysia. The overuse of antibiotics can lead to bacteria developing resistance against the effect of the drugs, a growing public health concern for India. Antibiotic-resistant infections <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/antibiotic-resistance-kills-over-50000-children-in-india-annually/articleshow/66687904.cms">reportedly </a>kill over 58,000 children in India every year. Earlier in 2017, the Indian government <a href="https://doctor.ndtv.com/living-healthy/government-to-set-permissible-limits-of-antibiotics-used-in-animals-1778136">had restricted</a> the use of antibiotics used to induce growth in animals given its adverse impact on human health. A key supplier of chicken to India’s fast food eateries has also been found using Colistin, according to a <a href="https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2018-10-12/worlds-biggest-animal-drugs-company-sells-antibiotics-to-fatten-livestock-in-india-despite-superbug-risk">report </a>by the London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism. That report also found that <keyword id="1184921" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zoetis">Zoetis</keyword>, the world’s largest animal drugs maker, has been selling antibiotics to Indian farmers because of loose regulation in the country. Zoetis has maintained its drugs are safe for use under the correct supervision. However, the parent of KFC and Pizza Hut, Yum Brands Inc., has <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Industry/yt5eE5hqMLYP1px2d63Q1K/Govt-may-ban-antibiotic-colistin-used-to-fatten-chicken.html">reportedly</a> said that they follow the regulations put by the government for the use of antibiotics. It also mentioned that its food items are free from such growth promoters.

India may ban its poultry and meat industry from using a growth-promoting drug linked to antibiotic-resistance

<ul><li>Confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection cross 12 lakhs around the globe with the number of deaths reported nearing 70,000. </li><li>The malignant virus invades more than 200 countries and the demand for drugs and medical equipment surge fast. </li><li>The anti-malarial drug <keyword id="4751090" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hydroxychloroquine">Hydroxychloroquine</keyword> is seen as a game changer in treating COVID-19 infection. Here are the basics of this life-saving drug you must know.</li></ul>In a recent conversation with the Prime Minister of India, Donald Trump, the American President requested India to supply them huge quantities of Hydroxychloroquine. Addressing the press, Trump also warned of retaliation measures if India declined the request as it did to other countries in the face of perceiving a demand for the drug with the cases mounting up in the country too. What is <keyword id="8947192" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hydroxychloroquine-medicine">Hydroxychloroquine medicine</keyword> Hydroxychloroquine can be described as a racemic mixture comprising of R and S enantiomer. We can compare Hydroxychloroquine with chloroquine, an aminoquinoline. This is a commonly prescribed medicine in treating uncomplicated malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and chronic discoid lupus erythematosus. Hydroxychloroquine is also used to address the prophylaxis of malaria in places where chloroquine resistance is unlikely. Developed during World War II as a derivative of quinacrine, this drug is said to have much lesser side effects. The FDA approved this drug on 18 April 1955. In the face of COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA has sanctioned an emergency authorization for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. This authorization gives room for the unapproved use of these drugs in treating the COVID-19 cases in the light of the critical public emergency seen around. The effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine in remedying the COVID-19 infection is yet to be proved though this drug is administered in the treatment in a large scale as on date. The American experiment Towards the end of March 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration provisionally approved the use of hydroxychloroquine in treating COVID-19 patients. Since then, the medical community in New York has been administering this drug to the novel coronavirus infected patients in combination with some other drugs. This experiment with hydroxychloroquine happening in the epicenter of the US has given a hint to Trump, the American President that this anti-malarial drug could be a game changer in treating COVID-19 infection. He said that this drug was giving successful results and if the trend continued, it would be a gift from heaven. The country had then quickly stocked up about 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine besides asking India to supply the drug to them. India’s policy on hydroxychloroquine supplies to the world Last month, India had imposed a ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine. However, India is most likely to life the ban and clear the pending international orders for the drug after meeting the local requirements. It is also said that after perceiving the humanitarian situation of the COVID-19 scenario, the Department of Pharmaceuticals and Ministry of External Affairs will decide whether to fulfill the pending international orders for hydroxychloroquine. See Also - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-lifts-partial-ban-on-hydroxychloroquine-after-donald-trump-warns-of-retaliation-if-pm-modi-doesnt-help-the-us/articleshow/75022401.cms">India lifts partial ban on hydroxychloroquine medicine</a>

What is Hydroxychloroquine medicine and how it could be a game changer

<ul><li><keyword id="2845406" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="E-pharmacies">E-pharmacies</keyword> in <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> have been prohibited from selling any medicines online, said Times of India citing a recent order by Delhi Court. </li><li>The <keyword id="6355014" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi-high-court">Delhi High Court</keyword> has ordered the center and the state government to execute the ban immediately. </li><li>The ordered was issued in response to a public interest litigation that stated that the government has failed in regulating the sale of such medicine exposing consumers to the higher risk of ill-health. </li></ul>The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Central and the Delhi governments to impose a ban on the online sale of medicine by e-pharmacies across India, the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/delhi-high-court-bans-online-medical-sales-across-country/articleshow/67068317.cms">Times of India </a>reported. The order was issued in response to a public interest litigation filed by Zaheer Ahmed who said that e-pharmacies in India sell a large volume of medicines daily without a prescription, which in turn, exposes consumers to higher health risks. In India, the digital sale of medicines is not regulated leading e-pharmacies to sell ‘misbranded and substandard’ products which are not sold otherwise, said the report. India also prohibits the online sale of medicine under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Pharmacy Act, 1948, PIL pointed out. While the Drug Controller General of India had already issued an order in 2015 to all states to prevent the sale of any medicine online without a prescription, the e-pharmacies continue to sell thousands of medicines daily, said the report citing the PIL. The Union Health Ministry had also reportedly drafted a set of rules on the sale of drugs by e-pharmacies, but these rules were apparently not implemented. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/policy/no-need-for-rti-application-residents-in-this-indian-state-can-now-visit-any-government-office-and-check-official-records-once-a-week/articleshow/66916066.cms">‘No need for RTI application’: Residents in this Indian state can now visit any government office and check official records once a week</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/an-indian-electricity-tribunal-has-a-bizarre-job-requirement-you-must-not-be-married-twice/articleshow/67055748.cms">An Indian electricity tribunal has a bizarre job requirement — you must not be married twice</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/policy/india-may-ban-its-poultry-and-meat-industry-from-using-a-growth-promoting-drug-linked-to-antibiotic-resistance/articleshow/66941051.cms">India may ban its poultry and meat industry from using a growth-promoting drug linked to antibiotic-resistance</a>

An Indian court has banned the sale of online medicines because of safety concerns

New Delhi, April 7 () Indian pharma industry on Tuesday said there is enough stock of hydroxychloroquine in the country, and drug firms are ready to ramp up the production to meet domestic as well as export requirements.India has decided to partially lift the ban on the export of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine in sync with its global commitment to deal with coronavirus pandemic.On March 25, India had banned the export of hydroxychloroquine in the midst of concerns that the drug could be used to fight COVID-19.India is the largest exporter of the drug.Officials said India would export the drug on a case-by-case basis after meeting all the domestic requirements."India manufactures 70 per cent of the world's supply of hydroxychloroquine. Companies like Zydus Cadila and IPCA are the major manufacturers of hydroxychloroquine in the country," Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) Secretary General Sudarshan Jain told .The production capacity is sufficient to meet the current demand. If the need arises, the companies are committed to ramp up production, he added."The government has withdrawn the restrictions on 12 products and its formulations. Various scenarios are being assessed and it will be the endeavour to meet both the domestic demand and export obligation for Paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine," Jain said.The objective is to minimise speculative buying and hoarding in these trying times and ensure balance in distribution for patients and segment who need them, he added.In similar vein, Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA) Executive Director Ashok Kumar Madan said: "India needs around 24 million tablets per year as on date for the three indications --- malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, it was being used".India currently has an annual installed capacity of around 40 metric tonne of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of hydroxychloroquine. With this capacity, "we can make around 200 million tablets of 200 mg," he added.So this indicates, that India currently has spare available capacity. Now, "we have to see how much would the country's requirements for the drug would grow for both treatment and prevention of COVID-19. The companies have already started ramping the capacity," Madan said.Hydroxychloroquine has suddenly come into limelight after the recommendation for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, he added. The major API makers for the drug in the country are Zydus, Ipca and Mangalam Drugs. The major formulation makers of hydroxychloroquine are Ipca , Zydus, Wallace Pharmaceuticals and Cipla, Madan said.India exported hydroxycholoroquine API worth USD 1.22 billion in April-January 2019-20. During the same period exports of formulations made from hydroxycholoroquine was at USD 5.50 billion. RR AKT BAL

Enough capacity in country to meet hydroxychloroquine demand: Industry

New Delhi, Apr 5 () The government has tightened the export ban norms on anti-malarial drug hydroxycloroquine by including special economic zones (SEZs) under its prohibition ambit to ensure there is no shortfall during Covid-19 crisis.The drug is also not allowed to be shipped by export oriented units (EOUs) or under any export promotion scheme."The export of hydroxycloroquine and formulations made from hydroxycloroquine...is no longer allowed from SEZs/EOUs or against Advance Authorisation or against full advance payment...The export shall remain prohibited without any exception," the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) has said in a notification.Under advance authorisation (AA) scheme, firms are allowed to import raw material at zero duty but with the condition of export obligation within a certified time frame. SEZs are treated as foreign territory in terms of customs laws.Normally export ban or restrictions imposed by the government does not apply on these zones as well as EOUs, which are specially meant to promote outbound shipments from the country.In the case of export restrictions imposed on certain APIs and formulations, the government clarified that these curbs would not be applicable for units in special economic zones (SEZs).Exporters availing AA scheme benefits too get these exemptions. But now the government has decided to include all this under the ambit of export ban due to the outbeak of coronavirus and increase in demand for this medicine.The move assumes significance as Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had recommended the use of hydroxychloroquine for treating healthcare workers handling suspected or confirmed coronavirus cases and also the asymptomatic household contacts of the lab-confirmed cases.On March 25, the government banned export of anti-malarial drug hydroxycloroquine with immediate effect to ensure sufficient availability of the medicine in the domestic market.In that notification, the DGFT had stated that export will be permitted from the SEZ and EOUs and in cases where the outbound shipment is made to fulfill export obligation under any advance authorisation license issued on or before the date of this notification, which is March 25, 2020.With US President Donald Trump describing hydroxychloroquine as a "game changer" in the fight against COVID-19 and several countries, including India, approving it for emergencies, pharmacies are reporting a surge in demand for the drug yet to be proven as a cure for the virus.Over the last few weeks, India has banned exports of host of medical devices, including sanitiser, all types of ventilators and surgical masks.There is a shortage of hand sanitiser and face masks in the market amid the coronavirus outbreak as people resorted to panic buying. RR BALBAL

Govt tightens export ban norms for anti-malarial drug hydroxycloroquine

<ul><li>India has decided to partially lift the ban on the export of the ‘wonder drug’ <keyword id="4751090" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hydroxychloroquine">Hydroxychloroquine</keyword>, an anti-malaria drug that is used to treat <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">Coronavirus</keyword>. </li><li>The move comes as the US President Donald Trump appealed to the Indian government for an urgent supply of the drugs. </li><li>Trump said that he was unaware of the development and didn’t “like that decision.” </li><li>Scientists and experts are still uncertain of its impact in controlling Coronavirus in particular, though it is effective against viral infections in general. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=coronavirus&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Follow the comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact, and other useful resources that can help you in the fight on Business Insider India.</a></li></ul>India has decided to partially lift the ban on the export of the ‘wonder drug’ Hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug that is used to treat Coronavirus. <a href="https://theprint.in/diplomacy/india-partially-lifts-ban-on-export-of-hydroxychloroquine-hours-after-trumps-threat/396792/">According to</a> a report by ThePrint, both paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine will be supplied to ‘clear the existing orders’. While all other medicines under the ‘free’ category will also be shipped now. The move comes after the US President Donald Trump appealed to the Indian government for an urgent supply of those two drugs and even warned of a retaliation. India had banned the export of hydroxychloroquine recently after its own cases rose. However, Trump said that he was unaware of the development and didn’t “like that decision.” Trump believes that the combination of two drugs — antibiotic azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine — a ‘game changer’ for treating Coronavirus. It works for virals but can it cure Covid-19? Though Trump has called this drug ‘a gift from heaven’, most scientists and experts have their doubts of its impact in controlling Coronavirus in particular. It is however effective against viral infections in general. <div type="image" title="corona2" msid="74809541" hostid="261"></div> India too seems to be banking on the drug. "Hydroxy-chloroquine is found to be effective against Coronavirus in laboratory studies and in-vivo studies. Its use in prophylaxis is derived from the available evidence of benefit as treatment and supported by preclinical data," IANS reported citing the advisory by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. International experts however are divided. David Sullivan, professor of microbiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and an infectious disease physician<a href="https://time.com/5808894/hydroxychloroquine-coronavirus/"> believes that if the drug genuinely worked for Coronavirus infection</a>, the healthcare professionals would know it by now. “Right now we have no clinical evidence that it works,” he said. Yet, Covid-19 is a fairly new infection and there are few studies on its workings and hence the drugs that can contain it. Clinical trials can help extract critical information on its use and dosage, <a href="https://time.com/5808894/hydroxychloroquine-coronavirus/">said</a> Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. French and Chinese studies support US’ claims Right now, the only evidence medical professionals around the world have are a few random studies. A French study which examined infected patients showed that the level of virus in blood <a href="https://time.com/5808894/hydroxychloroquine-coronavirus/">dropped after medication</a>. <div type="image" title="close-up-1853400_1920" msid="74809570" hostid="261"></div> Another Chinese study reiterated the same results. Approximately 100 patients were tested in China, where the disease first started, and the combination of the two drugs — antibiotic azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine — was found to reduce viral infection. However, as far as the lab studies of Hydroxychloroquine are concerned, the researchers found that it could stop viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 from infecting human cells. But, there is still a lag. “The problem is that what happens in the lab often doesn’t predict what happens in a patient,” Dr Otto Yang of the University of California, Los Angeles <a href="http://v">told</a> the TIME. <div type="image" title="laboratory-3827745_1920" msid="74809614" hostid="261"></div> Side effects of hydroxychloroquine The drug however is strictly prohibited for those below 15 years and above 60 years due to possible side-effects on kidney and heart. In spite of stamping on the drug, Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) scientist Raman Gangakhedkar warned against self-medication. "Do not go for the COVID-19 test just on suspicion or consume hydroxychloroquine without a doctor's prescription because the medicine has its side effects,” he told IANS. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/those-who-violate-coronavirus-lockdown-could-be-jailed-for-2-years-and-fined/articleshow/74807160.cms">Those who violate Coronavirus lockdown could be jailed for 2 years and fined</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coronavirus-death-cases-in-india-all-those-who-died-of-coronavirus-their-age-medical-and-travel-history/articleshow/74787832.cms">All those who died of Coronavirus in India, their age, medical and travel history</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/heres-how-a-21-day-lockdown-might-help-break-the-covid-19-chain/articleshow/74802999.cms">Here's how a 21-day lockdown might help break the Covid-19 chain</a>

You Searched For "India bans drugs" and got 12 results

India bans 156 commonly used combination drugs citing possible risks to humans

ANI

Here’s why the Supreme Court has exempted Saridon from the ban on FDCs

Rimin Dutt

Indian government bans several painkillers, diabetes and antibiotic drugs over safety concerns

Rimin Dutt

India lifted its ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine - Trump's unproven coronavirus 'cure' - hours after the president threatened 'retaliation' if it didn't do so

Tom Porter,Tom Porter

E-cigarettes are a ‘drug’: health ministry finds way to ban the device

BI India Bureau

Half of the US hydroxychloroquine supply - the drug Trump touts as a possible coronavirus treatment - has been abruptly cut off

Connor Perrett,Connor Perrett

India may ban its poultry and meat industry from using a growth-promoting drug linked to antibiotic-resistance

BI India Bureau

What is Hydroxychloroquine medicine and how it could be a game changer

BI India Bureau

An Indian court has banned the sale of online medicines because of safety concerns

BI India Bureau

Enough capacity in country to meet hydroxychloroquine demand: Industry

PTI

Govt tightens export ban norms for anti-malarial drug hydroxycloroquine

PTI

The US is banking on India’s Hydroxychloroquine medicine — yet experts have their doubts

Prerna Sindwani

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides