Union Govt banned Anti-Diabetes drug Pioglitazone and Painkiller Analgin

The Union government on 26 June 2013 has banned three major medicines—the widely prescribed anti-diabetes drug pioglitazone, painkiller analgin and anti-depressant deanxit.

The decision to ban the drug was taken in wake of health risks associated with them. It was taken after strong stand by the government on suspending marketing of all drugs prohibited for sale in other countries like the US, the UK, EU and Australia.

Ill-Effects of the Drug Banned

Pioglitazone- It is widely believed that pioglitazone can cause heart failure and increases the risk of bladder cancer, analgin has been discarded the world over on grounds of patient safety.

Deanxit- This Drug is made up of harmful combination, which has been long banned even in Denmark, its country of origin.

Analgin- It is known to cause a steep decrease in the count of white blood cells, which can lead to a potentially fatal state. The drug was thus taken off the shelves in many countries including Sweden, Japan, France, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Earlier in year 2010-11 Drug Controller General had banned various drugs which include painkiller Nimesulide, anti-diabetes medicine Rosiglitazone and antibiotic Gaifloxacin.

As per the Drugs and Cosmetic Rule 30-B, a drug cannot be marketed in India unless it is approved in its country of origin. The drug is banned in other countries as well as its user experienced cardiovascular effects, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia and vomiting.