Health Ministry bans sale of 14 steroid-creams sans doctor's prescription
What's the story
Health Ministry has banned over-the-counter (OTC) sale of 14 steroid-based creams and ointments by bringing them under the Schedule H of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The move came after dermatologists complained that pharmaceutical companies were selling steroid- based creams/ointments to patients who use them without medical guidance. Now, they can be purchased from chemists only after showing doctor's prescription. Here's more.
Information
What is Schedule H?
Schedule H states that the drug should be sold by retail on the prescription of a "registered medical practitioner only". It cannot be sold without a prescription and only the amount specified in the prescription should be sold.
Recommendations
Drugs Technical Advisory Board recommended a ban on such creams
Health The Ministry issued a notification on March 23 in this regard. The decision was taken following consultation with Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), which had recommended a ban on the sale of such creams without a prescription and also submitted recommendations to Central Drugs Standards Control Organization (CDSCO). Creams which have been banned are alclometasone, beclomethasone, desonide, desoximetasone, and fluocinonide among others.