20000411

Govt urged to inform

masses about

banned drugs

ISLAMABAD: Various banned medicines which cause different severe reaction are still available in Pakistan markets.

The drugs including Amineptine, Survector, Terfenadine, Bronal, Fenade, Fendina, Hista Cam, Hyporen, Meldana, Nebral, Talergin, Tedane, Terfen and Terfenal have been banned in different countries including France, USA, UK and Greece but are still available in Pakistan's markets.

Health ministry has taken action to ban these drugs but has not properly informed the public and chemists about their adverse reactions.

The intake of Amineptine, Survector drugs causes neuropsychiatric disorders, agitation, anxiety, psychosis and confusion.

Terfenadine, Bronal, Fenade, Fendina, Hista Cam, Hyporen, Meldane, Nebral, Talergin, Tedane, Terfen and Terfenal are known to cause fatal heat arrhythmias when taken with certain antibiotics and anti-fungals.

The manufacturers have stopped producing these drugs after ministry's action but some chemists are still selling them.

Health experts have urged ministry to initiate a comprehensive print and electronic media campaign to apprise the masses about these banned drugs.ÑAPP