Maharashtra FDA Cracks Down on Cadila Pharmaceuticals, Seals 3 Warehouses Over Confusing Drug Names
MUMBAI: In a major crackdown, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken strict action against pharma major Cadila Pharmaceuticals. Under the leadership of FDA Commissioner and IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, the FDA has suspended the licenses of the company’s three major warehouses located in Thane, Pune, and Nagpur.
The supply and distribution of medicines from all three warehouses have been completely stopped. The action has sent shockwaves across the pharma industry.
A Single ‘+’ Created Life-Threatening Confusion
The investigation revealed that Cadila Pharmaceuticals was selling two different salts under almost identical brand names:
Aciloc: Contains Ranitidine as the active ingredient.
Aciloc+: Contains Famotidine as the active ingredient.
The only difference between the two names is a ‘+’ sign. With similar packaging and deceptively similar brand names, it was creating massive confusion among doctors, chemists, distributors and patients.
While both drugs are used to treat heartburn and acidity, medically, Famotidine is considered to be 10 times more potent than Ranitidine. Administering the wrong salt can therefore be extremely dangerous for a patient.
Shah Rukh Khan x Danube Return: Shahrukhz Residences Launches in Dubai Maritime City
Wrong Supply in Pune Triggered The Action
The real consequence of this confusion came to light in Pune. Several wholesalers had placed orders for Aciloc 150 and Aciloc 300, but the company mistakenly supplied them with Aciloc 150+ and Aciloc 300+.
In other words, patients were given the 10-times more powerful Famotidine instead of Ranitidine. As soon as this serious negligence was reported, the FDA formed an inspection team and decided to take stern action.
Violation of Packaging Rules Also Found
Another major violation was uncovered during the inspection. As per the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, Famotidine tablets must be sold in a strip/pack of 14 tablets. However, Cadila was found flouting the norms by selling:
Aciloc 150+ in a pack of 30 tablets, and
Aciloc 300+ in a pack of 20 tablets.
This is a direct violation of the law.
FDA Commissioner Issues Stern Warning
Commenting on the matter, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said in a stern tone that such confusion in drug names and packaging will not be tolerated at all. Those playing with public health will not be spared.
Cinema Titan Nana Patekar Passes Away at 75 After Cardiac Arrest in Goa
He has appealed to the general public to:
Not rely only on the brand name while buying medicines. Always check the generic name and its strength written on the label.
Always ask the chemist to dispense medicines strictly as per the doctor’s prescription.