In a major crackdown against counterfeit medicines, Telangana's Drugs Control Administration (DCA) officials have seized fake stocks of Levipil 500 tablets, commonly used for the treatment of epilepsy, during surprise inspections conducted in Hyderabad and Karimnagar. The counterfeit drugs were found being sold by two distributors in the region.

Key highlights

Seizure of counterfeit drugs

• Fake Levipil 500 tablets were found at Anand Pharma Distributors in Kavadiguda, Hyderabad, and Venu Medical Agencies in Karimnagar.

• Levipil 500, manufactured by Sun Pharma, is used in the treatment of epilepsy.

Inspection and confirmation

• DCA officials raided both locations on July 4 and confirmed that the seized tablets were counterfeit after obtaining a comparison statement from the original manufacturer, Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited.

Actions taken

• The DCA has seized counterfeit drugs and is investigating the supply chain behind the spurious products.

• Further action will be taken against those involved in the distribution and sale of counterfeit drugs, as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Manufacturer's confirmation

• Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited confirmed that the Levipil 500 tablets found in the seizures did not match their authentic products, confirming the drugs as counterfeit.

This seizure underscores the continuing threat of counterfeit medicines in the Indian pharmaceutical market. The DCA's action emphasizes the importance of vigilance and proper regulatory measures to safeguard public health and ensure the authenticity of medicines.