The counterfeit drug falsely claimed to be manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd, making it a spurious version of the original medication.
Published Jan 03, 2025 | 2:17 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 03, 2025 | 2:17 PM
Montek-LC tablets (Supplied)
The Telangana Drug Control Administration (DCA) seized counterfeit versions of the popular anti-histamine tablet Montek-LC, commonly used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching, watery eyes, and other allergic conditions.
The counterfeit drug, found during a raid on 31 December in the Sangareddy district, falsely claimed to be manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd, making it a spurious version of the original medication.
“Based on intelligence gathered, raids were conducted at several dealers in Hyderabad, leading to the detection of spurious drugs — counterfeit versions of Montek-LC tablets (Montelukast Sodium and Levocetirizine Hydrochloride) — circulating in the market,” said Director General of DCA VB Kamalasan Reddy in an official statement.
The DCA noted that Montek-LC tablets are widely used for managing symptoms of allergic rhinitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria, and bronchial asthma.
During the raids, Drug Inspectors detained suspected batches of the drug and obtained comparison reports from the original manufacturer, Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd. The manufacturer confirmed that the seized batches were spurious and not manufactured by them.
“During the raid conducted on 31st December 2024, at Hyper Pharma in Santosh Nagar, Malakpet, Hyderabad, a counterfeit batch of Montek-LC tablets (Batch No.: SIE1911A, Mfg. Date: 07/2023, Exp. Date: 12/2025) falsely labelled as manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd. at PO Ranipool, East Sikkim, was seized,” said the Director General.
The DCA emphasised that further investigations will be carried out, and appropriate legal action will be taken against all offenders involved.
Counterfeit drugs pose a significant threat to public health, endangering patients’ well-being. These spurious medications not only fail to treat the intended conditions but can also lead to severe health complications over time. The DCA is actively working to identify and remove such harmful drugs from the market to protect public safety.
Officials from the DCA Telangana, acting on credible information, conducted a raid on 31 December 2024 at Akron Formulations India Pvt. Ltd., located at SV Co-Op Industrial Estate in the Bollaram Village of Sangareddy district. The raid uncovered unauthorised manufacturing of various ointments and creams.
During the operation, DCA officers detected the illegal production of the following drugs without a valid manufacturing license:
The total value of the seized stocks is estimated at ₹2 crore. Samples of the drugs have been taken for further analysis.
“Drugs can only be manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, in compliance with the standards prescribed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,” stated the DCA.
Officials from the DCA, Telangana, have identified certain medicines in the market with misleading claims on their labels. These claims include the treatment of “Kidney Stones” and “Prophylaxis and Treatment of Eye Infections,” which are violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 prohibits advertisements of certain drugs for treating specific diseases and disorders. The Act states that no individual shall participate in the publication of advertisements regarding the diseases or disorders listed under its provisions.
These drugs are Konda Pindi Churnam claiming to treat Kidney Stones, and P Mycetin Ointment claiming to treat eye infections.
The products were identified during raids conducted on 31st December 2024, as part of the DCA’s efforts to detect and remove medicines with objectionable advertisements.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
