In a significant regulatory enforcement action, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) in Telangana has unearthed and seized a substantial quantity of counterfeit ‘Levipil 500’ (levetiracetam 500 mg) tablets circulating in the markets of Hyderabad and Karimnagar.
This anti-epileptic medicine, crucial for treating seizures, was being sold as a genuine product of Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd., but has been confirmed as spurious by the original manufacturer.
Acting on intelligence reports, DCA officials conducted targeted raids two days ago at Arvind Pharma Distributors in SBI Colony at Kavadiguda in Hyderabad, and at Venu Medical Agencies in Sai Nagar at Doctors’ Street in Karimnagar. Both premises were found to be in possession of the counterfeit Levipil 500 tablets, specifically bearing Batch No. GTF1540A with manufacturing and expiry dates. The fake drugs bore labels that falsely stated they were manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd at its facilities in Kamrup district in Assam.
A comparative analysis of the suspected batches against genuine samples, provided by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd., conclusively established the seized drugs as ‘Counterfeit’. This classification under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, carries severe legal implications (strict penalties and legal consequences) for those involved in their manufacture, distribution, and sale, said Dr. Ramdan, JDC at the DCA.
The raids were successfully executed by a dedicated team of regulatory officers, including Deputy Director-I G. Sreenivas, Assistant Directors M. Srinivasulu (Karimnagar) and D. Saritha (Secunderabad), and Drugs Inspectors P. Renuka (Musheerabad), P. Karthik Bharadwaj (Karimnagar), B. Govind Singh (Begumpet), C. Vivekananda Reddy (Khairatabad), V. Ajay (Goshamahal), G. Anil (Malakpet), K. Murali Krishna (Malkajgiri), Raja Reddy (Kamareddy), T. Chandana (Mancherial), and P. Shravan Kumar (Peddapalli).
The detection and seizure of these counterfeit medicines highlight the ongoing vigilance of regulatory bodies in safeguarding public health. The sale of spurious drugs poses a serious threat, as they may lack active ingredients, contain incorrect dosages, or include harmful substances, potentially leading to ineffective treatment, adverse health reactions, or even death, says a circular issued by the DCA.
Further investigation into the source and distribution network of these counterfeit drugs is underway. The Drugs Control Administration has stated its commitment to taking appropriate and stringent action against all offenders involved in this illicit trade, in accordance with the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which stipulates penalties including imprisonment and significant fines for dealing in spurious drugs. The public is urged to report any suspicious activities related to drug manufacturing or sales to the authorities.
