National Trade Union of Medical Representatives cited paracetamol to build case against unethical marketing practices of pharma companies
National Trade Union of Medical Representatives cited paracetamol to build case against unethical marketing practices of pharma companies
Nicknamed “the favorite snack of the COVID-pandemic” and the source of many social media memes, Dolo-650 mg, which recorded sales of over ₹500 crore since March 2020 during the COVID pandemic, is back in the news PIL in Supreme Court Federation of Medical and Sales Representatives Association of India (FMRAI), a national trade union which sought to enforce the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
In its petition, FMRAI has alleged that there are increasing instances of unethical marketing practices by pharma companies in their dealings with health professionals, which in turn have a negative impact on the health of those who are already unwell.
“The existing code is voluntary and unethical practices will continue to spread. The last victim is the sick patient we are fighting for. We demand that all essential medicines be brought under price control and made tax free. This will directly benefit the patients. FMRAI’s Shantanu Chatterjee said, “No one should die for want of medicines.”
“This present case is certainly not about the Dolo-650 alone. This is just one of the cited examples. Paracetamol is one of the examples that we have mentioned in the petition filed a few years back. We are working to bring in rules that will prevent malpractices in the pharma industry,” said FMRAI’s counsel Aparna Bhat.
The advocate informed that the government price control is in force up to 500 mg of paracetamol salt. “The idea of Dolo-650 and Freebie caught on because it is widely used especially during COVID. Also it was in the news in July as well.”
Read also | IT department alleges trade, tax irregularities against Dolo-650 manufacturer
As per data available with IQVIA, a healthcare research firm, Dolo-650mg recorded sales of ₹28.9 crore in December 2021, a growth of 61.45% over the corresponding month of the previous year. Its highest sales figures are for April and May 2021, when it saw sales of ₹48.9 crore and ₹44.2 crore respectively. The development came at a time when the country was witnessing a second wave of COVID.
Dolo-650 is a brand of paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, and is used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain. It is manufactured by Micro Labs Ltd and is no different from other brands like Crocin, Calpol, Pacimol etc. However, unlike Dolo-650 mg, most other brands sell their paracetamol brand with 500 mg of salt. Data from IQVIA also shows that Dolo-650 and Calpol (manufactured by GSK Pharmaceuticals) are the leading brands driving the paracetamol segment.
In all, there are more than 30 brands of Paracetamol which are top-sellers in different regions of India.
immoral behavior
While the Supreme Court is now scheduled to take up the matter on September 29, earlier this month the National Medical Commission (NMC) sought details from the Income Tax Department of doctors who allegedly collected freebies from six pharma companies, including Dolo-650 manufacturer Micro. was received in Labs against whom raids were conducted last month.
Read also |Income Tax Department searches premises of Dolo-650 manufacturers
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the administrative body for the IT department, in July accused the makers of the widely used Dolo-650 tablet for indulging in “unethical practices” and distributing free gifts of around ₹1,000 crore to doctors. was accused of doing. and medical professionals in exchange for promoting its products.
On July 6, the Income Tax Department had raided 36 premises of Micro Labs Limited in Bengaluru in nine states.
‘Still safe to use’
A recent study by Future Market Insights (FMI) states that the global acetaminophen market is expected to grow from US$ 9.4 billion in 2021 to over US$ 14.1 billion by 2031. In such a market, the popularity of the Dolo-650 comes with this fact. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, national co-chair of the Indian Medical Association COVID Task Force, said it is one of three-four familiar brands containing the drug paracetamol, along with Dolo, for nearly three decades.
“A distinct advantage of Dolo 650 is that if one tablet is taken up to three times a day, it falls within the safe range of 4 grams per 24 hours. (If a 500 mg strength tablet is used) may require a higher number of tablets). So it is convenient for adults of average build and weight. I understand that other major brands also issued advertisements about their own 650 mg versions, apparently But after seeing the popularity of this particular dosage during the pandemic,” he explained.
Meanwhile, paracetamol is considered a safe drug to use within the recommended dosage. “However, in some cases, you may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc. If these symptoms persist for a long time or become severe, consult your doctor,” Renowned Expert.