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FSDA Cracks Down on Sexologist Clinics: Steroid-Laced Ayurvedic Medicines Seized
LUCKNOW: The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) conducted raids at five sexologist clinics in Lucknow, uncovering a disturbing practice of selling allopathic medicines, including steroids, under the guise of Ayurvedic treatment.
The operation has sent shockwaves across the city, highlighting a growing concern about the unregulated sale of spurious medicines.
राजधानी के पांच सेक्सोलॉजिस्ट क्लीनिकों में FSDA ने ताबड़तोड़ छापेमारी की। छापेमारी से हड़कंप मच गया है। आरोप हैं कि आयुर्वेद के नाम पर मरीजों को स्टाराइड व एलोपैथिक दवाएं बेची जा रही हैं। टीम ने जांच के लिए दवा के 10 नमूने एकत्र किए हैं। pic.twitter.com/xa9qbXsSr2
— Rajneesh Rastogi (@Rajneeshht) February 21, 2025
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Raids Uncover Allopathic Drugs in Ayurvedic Medicines
The FSDA team collected ten samples of the medicines from the clinics for laboratory testing. Preliminary investigations revealed that several of these so-called Ayurvedic medicines may contain allopathic drugs, including steroids like prednisolone and betamethasone, the anti-inflammatory painkiller diclofenac, and diabetes medicine glimepiride.
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Officials noted that this was not the first instance of such illegal activity. Despite previous crackdowns, the sale of these adulterated medicines has continued unchecked, putting public health at risk.
Health Risks of Mixing Steroids in Ayurvedic Medicines
Health experts have warned that the consumption of Ayurvedic medicines laced with allopathic drugs can have serious and long-term health consequences. Unscrupulous medicine manufacturers often mix steroids, such as corticosteroids, in Ayurvedic drugs to create an immediate sense of well-being. While these drugs may temporarily alleviate symptoms like pain and fatigue, they can dangerously accelerate underlying medical conditions.
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A study by the King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Mumbai found that nearly 40% of Ayurvedic drugs tested contained steroids, raising serious concerns about the safety of such medicines.
Long-Term Damage from Hidden Allopathic Drugs
A senior doctor explained that many of these steroid-laced medicines are marketed for conditions like arthritis and diabetes, offering instant relief. However, prolonged use can lead to severe health complications:
- Kidney, heart, and lung damage due to steroids like betamethasone and prednisolone.
- Liver damage, skin disorders, obesity, and drug dependency from diclofenac, a commonly used painkiller.
- Uncontrolled blood sugar levels due to hidden anti-diabetic drugs like glimepiride.
Over-the-Counter Ayurvedic Medicines: A Cautionary Note
Many Ayurvedic medicines are available as Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs, making them easily accessible without a prescription. However, health experts strongly advise against self-medication. Unlike allopathic treatments, Ayurvedic medicines are typically prescribed based on an individual’s body constitution. What works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Regulatory Action and Consumer Awareness Needed
The FSDA’s recent action highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and consumer awareness. Authorities are now focused on tracking the supply chain of these adulterated medicines and taking legal action against those responsible.
Consumers are urged to:
- Verify the authenticity of Ayurvedic medicines before purchase.
- Consult a qualified doctor before using any herbal or Ayurvedic treatment.
- Be cautious of products that promise instant relief, as they may contain harmful allopathic substances.
The recent raids underscore the urgent need for stricter regulation and enforcement within the Ayurvedic medicine industry. Protecting public health requires robust measures to prevent the sale of adulterated products and ensure transparency in the composition of medications. The FSDA’s actions are a step in the right direction, but sustained efforts and increased vigilance are essential to address this ongoing issue and safeguard consumers from the potential harm of undisclosed ingredients in their medications.