Regulators crackdown on sale of drops without prescription

livemint.com:

New Delhi: With a spurt in sale of over-the counter ophthalmic drops due to sudden outbreak of conjunctivitis cases across India; state drug regulators have strictly advised the chemist associations to avoid such sales in the absence of prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Drug regulators have also asked the pharmacies to keep records of such sales, failing with stringent action will be taken against them. Ophthalmic solutions refer to a wide range of lubricating eye products which are often used to relieve dryness and irritation in eyes, and if not taken under the guidance of a doctor can damage eyes.

According to pharma industry reports, eye-drop and lubricants market size is estimated to reach $ 24.3 billion by 2027, on a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. In one such advisory, Delhi’s drug regulator KR Chawla, has said that incidences of conjunctivitis cases have been rising during the rainy season. There is likelihood that the number of such cases may increase in pre-post monsoon season which is to be monitored very strictly.

“Retail chemists are, therefore, advised not to indulge in the over-the-counter sale of eye/ ophthalmic preparations containing antibiotics and or steroids with the immediate effect till further directions. They are advised to keep the records of stocks of eye drops used in the treatment of eye flu. Stringent action will be taken against retail chemist, if found flouting the advice," said Chawla in a communication to chemist association reviewed by Mint.