September 26, 2024: In a significant health warning, the Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) has identified more than 50 commonly prescribed drugs as not-of-standard quality. These medications, used for prevalent conditions such as high blood pressure, acid reflux, and erectile dysfunction, are reportedly still available in the market.

The CDSCO's latest survey revealed that certain batches of these drugs, including those produced by leading pharmaceutical companies, do not meet required safety and efficacy standards. Among the flagged products is Pulmosil (Sildenafil injection), manufactured by Sun Pharmaceuticals. CDSCO's investigation found a specific batch of this medication to be substandard; however, the company asserts that this batch is spurious and not produced by them.

Similarly, another product from Sun Pharmaceuticals, Pantocid—commonly used for treating acid reflux—was also classified as spurious by the company, despite being included in the CDSCO report.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals faced a similar situation, with a batch of Telma H (Telmisartan 40mg and Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg tablets IP), a combination drug used to manage blood pressure, also found lacking in quality. Glenmark has refuted the findings, claiming the problematic batch was not manufactured by them.

CDSCO has issued a public alert regarding these substandard drugs, emphasizing the importance of consumer vigilance.