Ministry suspends use of Cyclosporin

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The Health Ministry yesterday suspended the usage of the drug Cyclosporin as health authorities have doubts about its quality.

This drug is usually prescribed for kidney patients, a Health Ministry official said. The drug is imported from a company in India.

Cyclosporin is given to patients who have undergone kidney transplant, the official said.

He said that officials at the Colombo National Hospital and Kandy Teaching Hospital have complained about the quality of the drug. Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has directed Cosmetic Devices and Drug Control Authority officials to take immediate action to solve this issue.

The Health Ministry also has a stock of Cyclosporin imported from another company, the official said.

"If reports prove that the quality of the drug is poor, it will be banned," he said.