The practice of pharma companies of selling different types of medicines under the same brand name is now under serious question. Drug monitoring units of many states and patient groups have complained that companies are making ‘brand extensions’ of the same drug brand and launching different formulations of it in the market.
This is increasing confusion among patients and also creating the risk of purchasing wrong medicines. Now the central government is considering bringing new regulations on this issue. In fact, pain medicine, fever medicine and antibiotics are sold in different forms under the same brand name. The doctor prescribes a brand but the patient goes home with the wrong formulation of the same name.
This is the big risk. In the last few months, various states have written letters to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization saying that this practice is misleading and a threat to patient safety. Sources say that the central government has started preparations to convene a stakeholder meeting in which opinions of pharma companies, drug experts, state regulators and consumer organizations will be taken.
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From ban to amendment in the Act
A top official said that the government may soon take strict steps to stop this practice. Under this, a limited or complete ban can be imposed on selling multiple formulations under the same brand name. Also, separate standards can be set for approval of new brand names and amendments can be made in Act 96. Along with this, the process of taking action against misleading brands can be decided. The aim is that under no circumstances should the patient get the wrong medicine. The government may issue clear guidelines on this issue in the coming months.
