DCA seizes Metnuron drugs sold as health supplements in Siddipet

Hyderabad: In a recent crackdown, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana seized Metnuron-OD Tablets in Pragnapur Village, Gajwel Mandal, Siddipet District.

These tablets were falsely manufactured and sold under the guise of food products or nutraceuticals. The raids were conducted on May 29 and 30 by DCA officials, who discovered that the product was circulating in the market with misleading claims.

The seized Metnuron-OD Tablets were purported to contain Calcium Carbonate, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Benfotiamine, Inositol, Chromium Picolinate, Pyridoxine HCl, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3, and Methylcobalamin.

However, these tablets were falsely manufactured under a food license (FSSAI license) and marketed as a nutraceutical by SiriMed (a division of Sanus Biotech). The product, manufactured at Medicant Nutrients in Haryana, is classified as a drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and should only be produced under a valid drug license.

Dr J Raju, assistant director, Siddipet, and S Vinay Sushmi, drugs inspector, Siddipet, led the raid, during which samples were collected for analysis. The DCA emphasised that such products must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and meet the quality standards prescribed in the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP).

Previous Incidents

Similar cases were detected by the DCA in November 2023 and January 2024, where products were declared spurious by the Drugs Control Laboratory, Hyderabad, due to the absence of active ingredients. The manufacturing and sale of drugs without a valid drug license are punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, with penalties including imprisonment for up to five years.

Seizure of misleadingly advertised Ayurvedic medicines

In separate events, the DCA seized several Ayurvedic medicines being advertised with misleading claims. These claims violated the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, which prohibits advertising drugs for the treatment of specific diseases and disorders. The products seized include:

- Maharshi Ayurveda Glucomap: The drug is claimed to treat diabetes and was manufactured by Maharshi Ayurveda Products in Faridabad, Haryana. They were found in Kachiguda.

- Ashwagandharishta Supreme: These are claimed to treat nervous debility. They were manufactured by Shri Sharma Ayurved Mandir, Datia, Madhya Pradesh and found in Saroornagar.

- Shri Tulsi Drops: These are claimed to treat fever. They were manufactured by International Herbal Corporation in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. They were found in Vanasthalipuram, Hayathnagar Mandal.

- Isotine Eye Drops: These are claimed to treat disorders of the eye. They are manufactured by Jagat Pharma, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh and were found in Balapur.

Enforcement and legal implications

Advertising medicines for these conditions is strictly prohibited under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. Violators are subject to penalties, including imprisonment for up to six months, fines, or both.

Public reporting and contact information

The public is encouraged to report any illegal activities related to medicines to the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana. Complaints can be made through the toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.