Last Updated on March 11, 2025 by The Health Master
FDA Punjab
The Food and Drugs Administration Punjab (FDA Punjab) has launched a initiative to combat the growing problem of misuse of prescription drug for intoxication.
FDA Punjab has mandated stringent tracking of 7 specific H and H1 drug formulations.
This action aims to safety of the public of the region and easy access for the patients to get essential medicines.
Targeted Drug Formulations Under Scrutiny
The drugs flagged for heightened surveillance include:
- Pregabalin (300mg)
- Gabapentin (400mg)
- Dicyclomine
- Tapentadol
- Zopiclone
- Flupentixol
- Carisoprodol
Why the Crackdown?
Sanjiv Kumar Garg, Joint Commissioner, FDA Punjab, revealed that the received many credible information that these drugs are being misused for the intoxication.
This alarming situation initiated the immediate and decisive action to curb the misuse of these drugs.
Multi-Tiered Surveillance and Reporting System
To effectively monitor the movement of these drugs, the FDA Punjab has implemented a multi-tiered reporting system, demanding transparency from all stakeholders in the supply chain:
Manufacturers:
Must report all sales of the targeted drug formulations to the relevant Drug Control Office.
Provide details on the dosage form (tablets, capsules, etc.) and the number of units produced and marketed.
Immediately notify the nearest Drug Control Office if a marketer or distributor purchases 5,000 units or more.
Carrying and Forwarding Agents (C&FAs):
Must inform the Drug Control Officer about wholesalers purchasing over 2,000 units.
Wholesalers:
Must report to the Drug Control Offices any sales exceeding 2,000 units.
Retailers:
Must report all sales of 20 units or more to the respective Drug Control Office.
All stakeholders are required to submit these data on the 7th of each month to the concerned Assistant Drugs Controller (ADC) offices.
Health Secretary’s Intervention
The Health Secretary Punjab has called a meeting with the members of the drug manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and other stakeholders of Punjab.
The meeting aimed to assess the extent of the problem and formulate a coordinated response.
This collaborative approach underscores the government’s commitment to tackling drug misuse through collective action.
Ensuring the easy Access for Legitimate Patients
The primary focus is on curbing misuse of these drugs, the FDA Punjab is also concerned about ensuring that genuine patients may get these medicines.
The department is trying hard to maintain a balance between curb abuse and maintaining access for those with legitimate medical needs.
Q: What is the purpose of this tracking in Punjab?
A: The purpose is to curb the misuse of prescription drugs for intoxication, specially among young people.
Q: How will this affect patients who need these medicines?
A: The FDA Punjab is committed to ensuring that legitimate patients continue to get these medicines.
Q: What are H and H1 drugs?
A: These are drugs that require a prescription from a registered medical practitioner, and are sold under the under personal supervision of registered pharmacist at medical stores.
Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
Disclaimer: The information we have provided is for general knowledge and for informational purpose only and it cannot be treated as medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health issues and / or for the treatment of the same. The Health Master does not claim responsibility for this information.
No More Discount Boards at Pharmacies: Punjab
OTC Medicines list coming this month: India
Drug recall: Glenmark recalls 15 lakh bottles of this Drug
Karnataka’s new NSQ Drug Recall Policy
New Drug Approval: DCGI Demands Uniformity
FSSAI: Food Labelling and Display – Chapter-15
Workshop on NDPS to combat the misuse of drugs: FDA Haryana
No More Discount Boards at Pharmacies: Punjab
Call for National Drug Quality Alert System
USFDA issues warning letter to Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals
NPPA revised retail price of 1 new formulation: February 2025
For informative videos by The Health Master, click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on Medical Store / Pharmacy, click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on the news regarding Pharma / Medical Devices / Cosmetics / Homoeopathy etc., click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on consumer awareness, click on the below YouTube icon:
