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| Friday, 6 February 2004 |
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by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi Local health authorities have ordered the removal of a drug named "Best Flm" amidst warnings that it could have adverse effects on the human body. "This particular drug which is a combination of paracetol and diclofenac sodium has not been registered in Sri Lanka. It might affect patients in an adverse manner," a health official told the Daily News. "Best Flm" is used to treat patients with fever. "The Drugs Authority has already issued a circular instructing traders and relevant agencies to remove this drug from the market as it posess a danger to health," the official added. The stern action by the Health authorities follows the detection by Kadawatha Police of a large-scale racket of selling outdated medicine and biscuits from a safe house in Kadawatha. Following the raid two weeks ago, Police recovered outdated medicine and biscuits worth around Rs. 20 million and arrested three suspects including a doctor attached to a Government Hospital in the area. Both diclofenac sodium and Paracetol falls into the category of Non-steroidal and Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). However, Paracetol is categorised as an analgesic and is used to treat pain and fever. "Best Flm which is a combined drug which may have an enhanced efficacy but it may affect elderly persons," the official said. P. Madarasinghe, a Food Inspector of the Drugs Authority said this combination has not even been approved by the authorities. "Besides, this drug comes to Sri Lanka from unregistered manufacturers through unknown sources," he added. Customs officials have also launched a fresh probe into the Kadawatha incident as it is suspected that the consignment may have been part of a large stock of outdated drugs and food items deemed for destruction by the Port Authority. So far investigations have revealed that the medicine had expired in 1998 while the consignment of biscuits recommended for children had expired in 2000. |
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