Nepal bans 47 immunosuppressant brands, doctors question move
Summary
Nepal’s Department of Drug Administration has revoked the licenses and registration certificates of 47 immunosuppressant brands over quality and safety concerns, prompting worry among doctors and transplant patients. Officials say medicines already imported or on the market can still be sold, but specialists argue the sweeping move could disrupt treatment for thousands of patients.
Key Points
- The Department of Drug Administration revoked the manufacturing licenses and registration certificates of 47 immunosuppressant brands, citing quality, safety, and contamination risks.
- Doctors warned that the decision could affect thousands of kidney transplant recipients and other patients who depend on these medicines for lifelong treatment.
- The DDA said medicines already imported into Nepal or available in the market may still be sold and distributed.
- Senior doctors questioned whether the action was taken without proper consultation and said some affected medicines had been considered effective and safe until recently.
