India Bans Over 150 Fixed-Dose Drugs Due to Health Risks

Hyderabad: The Union health ministry has banned more than 150 combination medicines, also known as fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs. Many of these medicines are easily available at medical stores, but their intake may cause potential harm and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

Speaking about FDC medicines, Dr Chandrika Reddy of the pharmacology department at Osmania Hospital said, "FDC drugs consist of a fixed ratio combination of two or more medicines in a single dosage. For example, paracetamol and tramadol (both painkillers) with caffeine added to it. Many such medicines are available in the market, and they can cause potential harm to patients."

"Some medical practitioners prescribe these drugs, hoping that certain combinations will help the patient and reduce the number of medicines they have to take. While some drugs work well together and their synergy enhances each other's action, not all combinations are beneficial," she added, noting that taking these FDCs can also lead to opioid abuse.

Most of the FDC drugs banned by the government are easily available over the counter (OTC). "Recently, I saw a patient who took a painkiller bought from a pharmaceutical shop and ended up developing skin ulcers. These side effects are seen regularly among patients. There are also ointments available as FDCs; for example, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and steroid components can be found in one ointment," Dr Reddy said.

This is not the first time the government has banned these drugs. Since 2014, around 500 drugs have been banned. Last year alone, 33 drugs were banned.

"There are several painkillers, skin ointments, and antibacterial drugs that cause more harm than good to patients.Of 156 drug combinations banned, some of the prominent ones include Doxycycline + Ornidazole + Bromelain + Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, which is the worst combination ever and is usually recommended for gastrointestinal infections. Another one is cynacobalamin with ginkoba extract, which is very commonly given for Vitamin B12 deficiency and is used as a multivitamin also. Topical sprays in combination with menthol and aloe vera and the combination of Levocetrizine +Phenylephrine+Paracetamol for common cold," Dr Reddy explained, adding that another major reason for the availability of these drugs is the presence of quacks who blindly recommend antibiotics for every minor issue.