New Delhi, May 22 (H.S.): In a significant move to curb the misuse of prescription medicines, the Central Health Ministry has announced that Pregabalin, a drug commonly used for the treatment of nerve pain, epilepsy, anxiety disorders and several other medical conditions, will now be available only against a doctor’s prescription in India.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that Pregabalin has been brought under the ambit of Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules. The decision has been taken in view of the increasing misuse of the medicine and its easy availability without proper medical supervision.

The ministry warned that medical stores and pharmacies will now be required to maintain complete records of the sale of the drug. Strict action may be initiated against those found violating the regulations.

It is noteworthy that several recent cases involving the abuse of Pregabalin and its use as an intoxicating substance had come to light, following which the Central Government decided to tighten its regulation.

According to the ministry, inclusion of the drug under Schedule H1 will strengthen monitoring mechanisms, help prevent illegal sales, and further enhance patient safety.

Henceforth, the medicine will be dispensed only on the basis of a valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner. Retailers and chemists will also be required to maintain a separate register recording complete details of the prescribing doctor and the purchaser, including name, address and quantity sold.

Additionally, it has been made mandatory for the packaging of the medicine to prominently display the word “WARNING” in red colour.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar