Nimesulide ban: India’s health ministry has outlawed the production, sale and distribution of oral painkillers containing more than 100 milligrams of nimesulide, warning the drug poses serious health dangers, according to an official announcement.
The ban follows guidance from the Indian Council of Medical Research, the nation’s top health research organization, the notification stated.
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“The Central government is satisfied that the use of all oral formulations containing Nimesulide above 100 mg in immediate release dosage form is likely to involve risk to human beings and that safer alternatives to the said drug are available,” Monday’s notice read.
Officials determined that blocking the drug’s manufacture, sale, and distribution serves the public interest and is both necessary and urgent.
“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, the Centre, hereby prohibits the manufacture, sale and distribution of the drug, with immediate effect,” the announcement said.
The ban takes effect immediately.
