Telangana issues advisory to retail, wholesale medical shops amid prescription medicines misuse in gyms
Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, has issued an advisory to all retail and wholesale medical shops across the state following reports of gyms and fitness centres illegally procuring and selling anabolic-androgenic steroids and cardiac stimulants like mephentermine injections to gym-goers, who are reportedly misusing these prescription medicines for bodybuilding purposes.
Officials warned that the misuse of prescription medicines such as Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids, Mephentermine Sulphate Injections, etc., for bodybuilding purposes can lead to serious adverse effects, including cardiovascular disorders, hormonal imbalance, psychiatric disturbances, and, in some cases, even death.
The DCA reminded all licensees that Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids and Cardiac Stimulants like Mephentermine Injection, etc., are ‘Prescription Medicines’, and shall mandatorily be sold only against a valid prescription issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner.
The administration further cautioned that any illegal sale, diversion, or distribution of such prescription medicines for non-therapeutic or abusive purposes constitutes a serious violation of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules thereunder, and shall be dealt with strictly and offenders will face stringent actions including cancellation of drug licences and prosecution.
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Medical shops have been instructed to utmost vigilance in dispensing such medicines and to maintain proper prescription records as mandated under the Rules.
