Several painkillers have been banned in India due to various health and environmental concerns. The banned painkiller formulations include Rofecoxib, Valdecoxib, and Diclofenac for animal use.
Why Are Painkillers Banned?
Drug regulatory authorities, such as the Department of Drugs Control, routinely review medications to ensure public safety. Drugs are typically banned if new evidence emerges indicating serious side effects, a lack of efficacy, or potential harm to the environment. The process often involves detailed assessments and notifications to the public.
Key Banned Painkillers
The following table outlines specific painkiller formulations that have been prohibited in India, along with their respective notification dates:
| S. No. | Banned Painkiller Formulation | Date of Notification |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rofecoxib | December 13, 2004 |
| 2. | Valdecoxib and its formulations | July 25, 2005 |
| 3. | Diclofenac and its formulations for animal use | July 4, 2008 |
Note: While Diclofenac for human use is generally permitted, its use in animal formulations was banned due to its severe impact on vulture populations, leading to conservation efforts.
Understanding the Banned Painkillers
- Rofecoxib and Valdecoxib: These drugs belong to a class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) known as COX-2 inhibitors. They were designed to reduce inflammation and pain with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than traditional NSAIDs. However, they were subsequently linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, leading to their withdrawal from the market in many countries, including India.
- Diclofenac for Animal Use: Diclofenac is a widely used NSAID. Its ban for animal use in India was a critical step for wildlife conservation, particularly for vultures. Vultures, when feeding on the carcasses of livestock treated with diclofenac, would suffer kidney failure and die. This led to a drastic decline in vulture populations, which play a crucial role as scavengers in the ecosystem.
Consumers should always consult with healthcare professionals regarding their medication and be aware of drugs that are no longer approved for use. For a comprehensive list of banned drugs and further details, official government drug control websites are reliable sources.
