The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a gazette notification banning five fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs after an expert committee of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) found them to pose serious health risks. The banned combinations included two antibiotic formulations, one painkiller combo, and two cough syrups that have been linked to cardiac arrhythmia, liver toxicity, and allergic reactions, the ministry said.
Drug Controller General of India Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi said manufacturers have been given 30 days to comply with the ban and recall existing stock from the market. The ministry warned that any sale or manufacture of the banned drugs after the deadline would invite criminal proceedings under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Consumer health advocacy groups welcomed the move and called for stricter monitoring of other FDC combinations still in circulation.