more-inTo prevent indiscriminate sale of topical preparations containing steroids and antibiotics without prescription, the Health Ministry has banned over-the-counter sale of around 14 such creams. In a March 23 notification, the Ministry has put 14 steroid-based creams and ointments under the Schedule H category by making amendments to certain Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The move comes after dermatologists complained that pharmaceutical companies were selling steroid-based creams and ointments to patients who use them without medical guidance. The revised rules will apply to skin creams that contain steroids or other prescription drugs and not for ordinary face-cleansing and moisturisers. The creams which have been banned are alclometasone, beclomethasone, desonide, desoximetasone and flucinonide among others.

Source: The Hindu April 08, 2018 15:11 UTC