India Bans Painkiller Nimesulide Above 100 mg; Strict Prohibition On Manufacture, Sale And Distribution
New Delhi: The Union Government recently issued a notification enforcing strict ban on the use, manufacture, sale and distribution of all oral formulations containing the popular painkiller nimesulide above 100 milligrams (mg) for human use.
While banning the popular painkiller, the Union Health Ministry cited serious health risk with the drug. In its notification, the ministry stated that the government is satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest to prohibit the manufacture, sale and distribution of the said drug in the country for human use. It also noted that there are alternative safer options available now.
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Nimesulide is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, usually prescribed by healthcare professionals to relieve pain, inflammation and fever for adults. The drug has been sold in India under popular brand nammes such as Nise, Nimulid, Nicip among others.
The ban applies for only human use only, and for all oral formulations containing Nimesulide above 100 mg. The stipulation of 100 mg suggests that there is no absolute ban on Nimesulide, as lower dose forms can still be used.
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The decision was taken following the recommendations from the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB). Notably, Health officials have long raised concerns regarding liver toxicity in connection with Nimesulide, especially in higher doses.
