In spite of the ban imposed by the Drugs Registration Board on manufacturing and sale of Incidal-Neo, the manufactures are vigorously promoting the medicine which resembles the brand name, Incidal.
Incidal, manufactured by a German company Bayer, was de-registered by the Drugs Registration Board in 2006 for bearing life threatening risks such as discrepancy in blood consistency, said a statement issued by The Network for Consumer Protection.
The Network stated that the Incidal was prescribed thrice in a day while 'Incidal-Neo' is given once daily. As both the drugs contain different ingredients but with the same brand names it is misleading for the chemists, doctors and consumers at large and may result in medication errors adversely affecting the patients in addition to financial loss.
Therefore, Central Licensing and Drugs Registration Board after considering the show cause notice and reply of M/s. Bayer Pakistan (Pvt), Karachi, under Section 7 of Drugs Act, 1976 decided in the 207th meeting of Drugs Registration Board held on 20th to 21st July, 2007 to cancel the registration of the drug "Incidal-Neo" both in Tablets & Syrup formulations as the firm was reluctant to change the name even after the issuance of show cause notice, the statement adds.
The Executive Coordinator of The Network, Dr Talib Lashari said that the manufacturer's dispensing move of Incidal-Neo by advertising the availability of the brand in the market is again an irrational and unethical practice.
He also said that the company has not only violated the decision of Drugs Registration Board but also has endangered the lives of consumers. He demanded of the Ministry of Health to take action against the violation and stop its advertising along with ordering its withdrawal from the market.