Are the medicines you are consuming fake? 84 batches of medicines fail quality test, including antacids and diabetes medicines
An alarm bell has rung for the common people. In fact, 84 batches of medicines across the country, including common steroids and cholesterol-lowering drugs, have not met the quality standards. CDSCO, the organization monitoring the quality of medicines, has issued an alert in this regard.
According to a TOI report, 84 batches manufactured by various companies in December 2024, including medicines for common diseases like acidity, high cholesterol, diabetes and bacterial infection, have failed the quality test. The samples of the medicines did not meet the prescribed standards, due to which they have been termed as NSQ (not conforming to quality standard).
What did the officials say?
Officials said that this quality test is limited only to the tested batch, not the entire product. Regular work is being done with state regulators to remove NSQ and counterfeit medicines from the market. Officials said that this failure is specific to the drug products of the batch tested by the government. He said, ‘This action to identify NSQ and counterfeit medicines is done regularly in collaboration with state regulators so that these medicines can be identified and removed from the market’
10 samples will have to be sent for testing every month
Recently, CDSCO has issued new guidelines. Under this guideline, all drug inspectors will have to collect at least 10 samples (9 medicines and 1 cosmetic/medical device) every month and send them to the laboratory on the same day. In remote areas, this period can be a maximum of one day. Medicines failing the quality test can increase tension for the common people. This question may arise in the minds of the people whether the medicine they are taking is fake or not. However, CDSCO is working to address these concerns.
List of failed drugs and their problems:
1. Antibiotics and injections:
- Cefotaxime Sodium Injection IP 1g – Problem with solution clarity
- Meropenem Injection IP 500 mg – Particles found
- Amikacin Sulphate Injection IP 250 mg – Contaminants found
- Doxycycline Capsules IP 100 mg – Uneven weight
- Acyclovir Dispersible Tablets IP 800 mg – Disturbance in dissolution
2. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs:
- Aspirin Gastro-resistant Tablets IP 75 mg – Problem with solubility
- Paracetamol Paediatric Oral Suspension IP – Presence of suspicious substances
- Tranexamic Acid Tablets IP 500 mg – Component imbalance
3. Stomach and acidity drugs:
- Rabeprazole Injection IP – Problem with sterility
- Pantoprazole Gastro-resistant Tablets IP 40 mg – Failed solubility test
- Omeprazole Lyophilized Powder for Injection (I.V.) – Water level imbalance
4. Cold, Cough & Allergy Medicines:
- Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Tablets IP (MANOFEX-180) – Solubility problem
- Cold Plus Syrup – Component ratio imbalance
- Diphenhydramine & Ammonium Chloride Cough Syrup (Beedryl Plus) – Component imbalance
5. Diabetes & Heart Disease Medicines:
- Glimepiride Tablets IP 1 mg – Solubility disturbance
- Telmisartan Tablets IP 40 mg (TELMOPI-40) – Test Failed
- Ramipril & Metoprolol Succinate Tablets – Component imbalance
6. Multivitamins & Nutritional Supplements:
- AXBEX Suspension – Vitamin D deficiency
- Calcium & Vitamin D3 Tablets (CALCI-D, CITCAL etc.) – Calcium & Vitamin D imbalance
- Zinc Sulphate Dispersible Tablets IP 20 mg – Dispersion & Dissolution imbalance
7. Mental Health & Neurological Drugs:
- Alprazolam Tablets IP 0.5 mg – Solubility problem
- Sertraline Hydrochloride Tablets (for depression) – Presence of contaminants
- Duloxetine Gastro-resistant Tablets IP 20 mg – Problem in ingredient ratio
8. Other essential drugs:
- Thyroxine Sodium Tablets IP (THYROX-25) – Failed test
- Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate Tablets IP 200 mg – Suspicious ingredients present
- Infusion Set & Compound Sodium Lactate Injection (RL) – Sterility problem
Important advice for public:
- Make sure to check the batch number and expiry date of your medicines.
- If you have these medicines, consult a doctor.
- Report any side effects or health problems.
- Check the information released by CDSCO regularly.
- Government Helpline: 1800-180-3024
CDSCO Official Website: www.cdsco.gov.in
