DCA Seizes Gabapentin Tablets Falsely Sold as Nutraceuticals in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Aug. 5 (TNT): The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, has seized Gabazen Tablets containing Gabapentin 300 mg that were allegedly being manufactured and marketed as a food product/nutraceutical in violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
During a raid conducted on August 4 at Malakpet, DCA officials detected the product being sold under an FSSAI food licence despite containing Gabapentin, a Schedule H prescription drug, an official release said here on Wednesday.
The product was manufactured by Gothic Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Cherlapally, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, and marketed by Sifco Ayustar, Hyderabad.
The DCA said products containing Gabapentin can only be manufactured under a valid drug licence and in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the quality standards prescribed under the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP).
The raid was carried out by Drugs Inspector G. Anil under the supervision of Assistant Director T. Rajamouli. Samples of the product have been lifted for analysis and further investigation is in progress.
Legal action will be initiated against those responsible.
The DCA warned that drugs falsely manufactured and sold under food licences are not produced in accordance with GMP norms and often fail to meet prescribed quality standards, posing serious health risks to patients.
It also noted that manufacturing or selling drugs without a valid drug licence is punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act with imprisonment of up to five years.
The administration appealed to the public to report illegal manufacture or sale of medicines, including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, through its toll-free helpline 1800-599-6969.
TNT TS
