The Government has banned over-the-counter (OTC) sale of 14 steroid-based creams and ointments in view of their health hazards. Now, one can purchase these from the chemists only after showing the doctor’s prescription.
The Union Ministry of Health has issued a notification in this regard by bringing the 14 drugs under the Schedule H of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945. These steroids and ointments are Alclometasone, Beclomethasone, Betamethaasone, Desonide, Desoximetasone, Dexamethasone, Diflorasone diacetate, Fluocinonide, Fluocinolone acetonide, Halometasome, Methaylpredinsone, Prednicarbate and Triamcinolone acetonide, as per the notification issued on March 23.
Dermatologists allege that these preparations are being sold unrestricted by the chemists and general practitioners to anyone complaining of itching, soreness, acne or any common skin complaint, resulting in various side effects. Their rampant misuse lead infections such as tinea corporis (general skin), tinea cruris (groin), and tinea pedis (feet).
The move to put the 14 prepartions under Schedule H bracket was as per the recommendation of the highest decision making body of the Union Health Ministry on technical matters, Drug and Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) under the DCGI. It has advised the Government to ensure that these steroids are not sold without doctor's prescription .
There are many more such ointments and steroids that need restrictions. The aim is to prevent their misuse which is making treatment of the fungal infection in the country almost difficult, said the Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists and leprologists (IADVl) which had been campaigning against OTC sale of such drugs.