Rising complaints of adverse drug reactions in the country: Special focus on FDC drugs
Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu: According to a recently published report, 1,387 cases of bad drug reactions were reported from across the country in the first 9 months of last year. In these cases, most of the complaints have been received regarding ‘Fixed Dose Combination’ (FDC) medicines. FDC medicines are combinations of two or more original medicines and are used to treat different diseases.
In the annual report of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, it has been informed that all types of medicines and tablets sold in the country are regularly tested by the Central and State Drug Control Board. Moreover, counterfeit and substandard medicines are detected and necessary action is taken against them.
The Central Drugs Quality Control Board had a few years ago directed states and manufacturers to immediately report any adverse reactions to drugs and medical devices. Rules were also made for this, so that safe medicines can be provided to the patients and any kind of health risk can be prevented.
The report also noted that due to the high number of adverse reactions to FDC drugs, experts have advised doctors and pharmacists to exercise caution. Patients are also warned to always take the medicine as per doctor’s advice and to immediately report any unusual reactions to the healthcare professional.
Health Ministry officials said that monitoring of medicines and checking their effects is extremely important from the point of view of health security. He also said that by collecting and analyzing information about adverse reactions, the production and distribution of such medicines can be improved in future.
Experts say that permission for production and distribution of FDC medicines should be given only after balancing the benefits and risks. He has requested the manufacturers to immediately inform the concerned board in case of any possible risk.
Inspection by the Central and State Drug Control Boards ensures that the medicines sold in the market conform to the quality and safety standards. Along with this, public safety is ensured by taking legal action against fake or substandard medicines.
It is clear from this report that the work of drug safety and monitoring is going on continuously in the country. The government and health departments are constantly paying attention to this so that safe and effective medicines are available to the people.
