New Delhi, March 16: After the ban on fixed dose combination drugs by Indian Government with immediate effect, the manufacturing and sale of famous brand ‘Vicks Action 500 Extra’ has been stopped by Procter and Gamble (P&G).
Along with Vicks Action 500 Extra, sale and manufacture and sale popular cough syrups Corex and Phensedyl has been stopped by drug brands like Pfizer and Abbott.
As per the recent ruling issued by the Government of India, the manufacturing for sale, sale and distribution of fixed dose combination drugs (Paracetamol+ Phenylephrine + Caffeine) has been prohibited with immediate effect.
The ruling banned over 300 fixed dose combinations (FDCs) drugs.
The ban has been issued with an observation that about 344 fixed dose combination drugs, including cough syrups compositions, saying they involve “risk” to humans and safer alternatives were available.
As per a senior Health Ministry official, the department has issued show cause notices to more than 344 companies and they were given time to make further representations after the expert committee gave their recommendations.
The drug brand Pfizer said that the sale of popular cough syrup was stopped and it garnered sales of Rs 176 crore in the nine-month period ended December31. The official added that this government move will have an adverse effect on the company’s economy.
The two companies (Pfizer and Abbott), however, said they are exploring “all options” to counter the impact of ban.