Soon after the reports that substance abuse cases are on the rise in Rajendranagar area emerged in a section of media, the Drug Control Administration (DCA) has issued a circular against over the counter (OTC) sale of certain medicines without prescription.
In a circular, issued on October 25, it was instructed that the retailers, wholesalers and C&F agents should maintain proper records about the sale of habit forming drugs like Zolfresh and Nitravet-10 considered as Schedule H and H1 medicines and provide the same only on receipt of prescription issued by the registered medical practitioner.
The circular clearly said the original copy of the prescription issued by the registered medical practitioner should be secured. Besides, a register about Schedule-H, X and NDPS drugs, purchase and invoices of habit forming drugs should be maintained properly. Schedule-X and NDPS drugs should be kept in lock and key in cupboard or drawer reserved solely for the purpose.
“The retailers, wholesalers and C&F agents who found committing any deviation during the inspection, would have to face necessary action as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and the Rules made thereunder,” the circular warned.
“Usually benzodiazepine abuse – a mixed response of the usage of drugs like Zolfres and Nitravet to treat insomnia and other sleep issues, alone is not lethal but when combined with other drugs or alcohol it can be dangerous. If you are addicted to it, all is not lost. It requires medical help, a lot of psychotherapy and frequent counseling sessions to get over the addiction,” explained Dr. Shivaram Rao K, Consultant Neuro Physician, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad.
“Strict regulations should be put in place to prevent over the counter access to the drugs of sensitive nature,” the doctor advised adding that “Propagation about the side effects of long-term usage of the drugs would also help to curtail the problem.”
“We issued a circular warning the retailers, wholesalers and C&F against the sale of certain medicines without prescription. It was instructed that the retailers, wholesalers and C&F should maintain proper records of medicines being sold or purchased. Also, keep an eye over the situation in Rajendranagar area especially in Hassan Nagar, Suleman Nagar and other surrounding areas. If found anyone susceptible of substance abuse, the drug control officials together with the help of police will act accordingly. Also, we are conducting an awareness program at ACP Office Rajendranagar on October 27 against substance abuse cases,” informed Laxmalla Raju, Drug Inspector, Drug Control Administration Rangareddy.
