Steroid abuse in Hyderabad gyms: DCA warns medical shops against illegal sale of drugs
Long-term dependency could result in infertility, kidney failure and psychiatric illness
By - Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: The Telangana Drugs Control Administration has issued an order to retail and wholesale medical shops not to sell anabolic-androgenic steroids and cardiac stimulants like mephentermine injections, especially to gym-goers, illegally.
They reminded the shops that the drugs come under prescription medicines and shall mandatorily be sold only against a valid prescription issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner.
Why was the order on steroids issued?
The order was issued in the light of recent events where it was found that certain gyms and fitness centres are illegally procuring and selling anabolic-androgenic steroids and cardiac stimulants like mephentermine injection to gym-goers, who are reportedly misusing these prescription medicines for bodybuilding purposes.
On Friday, DCA officials conducted surprise raids against 20 gyms across Hyderabad in coordination with local police.
The inspections were carried out in gyms located in Secunderabad, Mehdipatnam, Tolichowki, Malakpet, Punjagutta, Narsingi, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Madhapur, Kothapet, Kukatpally and Suraram.
What is the damage that steroid misuse can do?
Long-term dependency could result in infertility, kidney failure and psychiatric illness.
The DCA also pointed to misuse of Mephentermine Sulphate Injection, a cardiac stimulant meant strictly for the treatment of low blood pressure during spinal anaesthesia.
“Only a doctor should determine the appropriate dose and duration of this medicine for each individual,” the statement cautioned.
Officials observed that some gyms have been selling this injection to enhance physical endurance among bodybuilders, a practice they say is dangerous.
Any illegal sale, diversion, or distribution of such prescription medicines for non-therapeutic or abusive purposes constitutes a serious violation of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Rules thereunder, and shall be dealt with strictly, the DCA said.
The Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, shall initiate stringent action, including cancellation of drug licences and prosecution under the relevant provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
All medical shops are directed to exercise utmost vigilance while dispensing such medicines and to maintain proper prescription records as mandated under the Rules, the DCA said in its order.
