The Telangana Drugs Control Administration has raised serious concerns about a spurious drug circulating in the market - D-Calcium.
Published Sep 05, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 05, 2024 | 7:00 AM
Representative imageof the counterfiet drug from China
The Telangana Drugs Control Administration has uncovered a dangerous deception in the market—a batch of D-Calcium Pantothenate, a supplement widely used for everything from skin health to brain function, is being sold illegally. This spurious product, imported from China, is circulating without the necessary approvals from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
On Wednesday, 4 September, the Drugs Control Administration sounded the alarm about this counterfeit drug, identified as D-Calcium Pantothenate IP/BP, Batch No. 240326M07. The batch falsely claims to be manufactured by Xinfa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., located in Dongying City, Shandong Province, China. D-Calcium Pantothenate, also known as Calcium D-pantothenate, is the calcium salt of pantothenic acid, commonly referred to as vitamin B5—a vital water-soluble vitamin crucial for numerous biological functions in the body.
“The said drug has been found to be counterfeit and was not actually manufactured by Xinfa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., as claimed,” stated the DCA in an official release, urging the public and healthcare providers to be vigilant against this fake supplement.
The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has raised serious concerns about a spurious drug circulating in the market. The drug in question, D-Calcium Pantothenate, an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), lacks critical information on its label—specifically, the importer’s name and the import license number, both of which are mandatory for any product imported into India, as per the guidelines issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in New Delhi.
“Additionally, every Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), whether manufactured or imported in India, must have a Quick Response (QR) code on its label at each level of packaging. This QR code should store data or information that can be read with a software application to facilitate tracking and tracing,” the DCA stated.
The DCA emphasised that the stored data must include specific details such as the unique product identification code, the name of the API, the manufacturer’s name and address, batch number, batch size, manufacturing and expiry dates, the serial shipping container code, and the manufacturing or import license number. If any special storage conditions are required, these too must be indicated.
However, the spurious D-Calcium Pantothenate IP/BP, Batch No. 240326M07, falsely claimed to be manufactured by Xinfa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. in Dongying City, Shandong Province, China, lacks the required QR code on its label, a clear violation of the Drugs Rules, the DCA noted.
In response, the DCA has issued an urgent alert to all stakeholders regarding the counterfeit drug in circulation. “Counterfeit drugs, produced by unscrupulous entities, pose significant health risks to consumers,” warned the DCA.
The administration has directed all manufacturers and dealers to halt the use, sale, and distribution of this spurious drug immediately and to notify the DCA if they encounter it in the market.
“The DCA is actively working to remove spurious drugs from circulation,” the agency asserted.
An official from the DCA told South First that the counterfeit drug came to their attention when an anonymous individual sent a photograph of the product to the DCA. Upon investigation, the DCA discovered that the drug was not registered in their database shared by CDSCO, confirming its counterfeit nature.
D-Calcium Pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, offers several significant health benefits:
Hair Health: D-Calcium Pantothenate is known to reduce hair fall and stimulate hair growth at the cellular level. It provides essential nutrients to hair follicles, strengthens hair from the roots, and promotes the growth of new hair. Additionally, it acts as a conditioning agent by preventing moisture loss and increasing water content, helping to maintain soft and healthy hair.
Metabolism Support: This vitamin is crucial for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It aids in converting food into energy by facilitating the synthesis of acetyl-CoA, a key component of the Krebs cycle, which is essential for energy production. This makes D-Calcium Pantothenate important for maintaining energy levels and overall metabolic efficiency.
Cognitive Function: D-Calcium Pantothenate plays a role in the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory formation and cognitive function. It may help enhance memory, reduce brain fog, and support concentration and focus.
Skin Health: A deficiency in vitamin B5 can lead to skin problems like acne. D-Calcium Pantothenate helps maintain healthy skin by preventing bacteria from getting trapped in the pores. It also serves as a skin conditioning agent, helping to keep the skin vibrant and healthy.
Adrenal Function: This nutrient is essential for the production of steroid hormones, including those produced by the adrenal glands. It supports healthy adrenal function, which is crucial for managing stress and maintaining overall well-being.
D-Calcium Pantothenate, a form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. However, some side effects can occur, especially at higher doses or in sensitive individuals. Below are the potential side effects associated with D-Calcium Pantothenate:
Common side effects
Less common side effects
Allergic Reactions: Symptoms can include rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Precautions
(Edited by Neena)
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