Nimesulide: The Indian government has banned the manufacturing, sale and distribution of oral Nimesulide containing more than 100mg with immediate effect.
A government notification revealed that oral Nimesulide (more than 100mg) can be dangerous to human health. It has been clearly stated by the order that there are many safer alternatives and therefore the continued availability of oral Nimesulide (more than 100 mg) is not justified and hence banned.
Why the ban on Nimesulide?
The ban on oral version (containing more than 100mg) has been issued under Section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. The Act empowers the union government to prohibit or restrict the manufacture, use, sale or distribution of drugs that can pose a risk to patients. Before the ban was issued, the government had a word with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), which is the apex advisory body in India on technical matters related to drugs and cosmetics.
What was it used for?
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Nimesulide is often prescribed to treat inflammation, pain and fever.
The drug is not included by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Model List of Essential Medicines. It can lead to liver toxicity and may relate to safety concerns related to hepatic injury (WHO pharmacovigilance reports).