Nizamabad: DCA seizes Vatharin capsules for false rheumatism cure claims

Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana seized Vatharin ayurvedic capsules in Nizamabad after misleading and false claims about the medicine’s ability to ‘treat’ rheumatism surfaced.

Many suffer from rheumatoid arthritis

The raid occurred after DCA officials discovered public advertisements and publications in the Nizamabad market showcasing Vatharin capsules as a treatment option for rheumatism – a disease that causes inflammation, stiffness and pain in the joints or muscles. According to the data available, India has 1.3 crore people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Act demands action

On March 11 and 12, DCA conducted special raids in the state for those selling medicines using false advertising. During the raid, officials found that Bhagwati Ayurveda Bhandar, Devi Road in Nizamabad was selling Vatharin capsules to people suffering from rheumatoid. The officials seized stocks with many boxes of the ‘medicine’.

Drug control officials stated that the action had been taken for advertising the drug as a remedy, without proper authorisation, prohibited according to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, which prohibits the advertisement of certain drugs for the treatment of certain diseases and disorders.

The drug is manufactured by Sri Bhavani Pharmaceuticals and Distributors from Warangal. The department is taking up further investigation of the case. Under the act, those found guilty are punishable by imprisonment up to six months or more with a fine, says the department release.

Crackdown on illegal drug units

In a recent crackdown, the DCA carried out targeted raids in Kodad, Suryapet District, exposing and dismantling illicit drug operations across four locations. The raids, conducted on March 11, led to the seizure of drug stocks valued at Rs 33.68 lakhs.

Similarly, continuing the series of raids on companies manufacturing and selling drugs illegally, the DCA, Telangana, seized drugs worth Rs 5.50 lakhs, being illegally manufactured by Aspen Biopharma Labs Pvt Ltd in Shameerpet. The firm is said to have manufactured APIs against a previous order in which it was asked to cease all production.