Mylan Laboratories in hot waters; Telangana DCA cancels licence to manufacture 'Alprazolam'
This was detected by Prohibition and Excise Authorities. Nearly 4.850 kilograms of Alprazolam was found at the facility
By Kaniza Garari Published on 14 Feb 2024 6:51 AM GMT
Hyderabad: Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) on Wednesday canceled the licence of Mylan Laboratories Ltd to manufacture `Alprazolam’.
The manufacturing unit is situated in Patancheru Mandal of Sangareddy district. It was found that 21.250 kilograms of Alprazolam, a psychotic drug, was diverted from the company.
Modus operandi of diversion
This drug was diverted through employees and working chemists at the company manufacturing unit.
This was detected by Prohibition and Excise Authorities. Nearly 4.850 kilograms of Alprazolam was found at the facility.
This alerted the drug control officials who made further inquiries and also found a substantial amount diverted which is suspected to be mixed in toddy.
What is Alprazolam?
Alprazolam is an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient and a psychotic drug used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, anxiety associated with depression, and insomnia.
The addiction / habit-forming potential of Alprazolam is very high. The abuse of Alprazolam can lead to various adverse effects including addiction, physical dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.
Show cause notice issued
A show cause notice has been issued to Mylan Laboratories Ltd for unauthorized diversion of Alprazolam from the licensed premises, and the lack of adequate controls for the detection and prevention of the same.
License cancelled
Due to the public harm caused due to this drug, the DCA has canceled the license with immediate effect.
Advisory to manufacturers
V B Kamalasan Reddy, director general of DCA said; “Stringent measures must be implemented by manufacturers of narcotic and psychotropic drugs. They must ensure that there is no unauthorized diversion, pilferage or theft of these drugs to prevent abuse.”
The department has stated that surprise raids in units manufacturing these products will be intensified to verify reconciliation data. Stringent action will also be taken as per law against these violators.
