Oxytocin misuse: CDSCO calls manufacturers for discussion

New Delhi: Through a notification dated 16th Feb 2018, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has called all the Manufacturers of Oxytocin Formulation for human and animal use for meeting on 22nd February 2018 at 11.00 AM at Malviva Bhawan, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, New Delhi to discuss issues related to misuse of Oxytocin.

The notice states that the reports have appeared from time to time in various fora about the misuse of Oxytocin in the country by the farmers and dairy owners to extract milk from milch animals.

Cases of illegal manufacture, import and sale of the drug and its misuse by the farmers or dairy owners have also been unearthed from time to time in different parts of the country.

Various measures have been taken by CDSCO and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India to curb such misuse of the drug.

Read also: Concerned about Oxytocin misuse, CDSCO to outline regulatory control

In this regard, a meeting of all manufacturers of Oxytocin formulation for human and animal use, with CDSCO has been convened on 22nd February 2018 at 11.00 AM at Malviva Bhawan, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, New Delhi to discuss the matter for taking appropriate measures to prevent the misuse of Oxytocin.

CDSCO has requested manufacturers to make it convenient to depute one representatives to attend the meeting. A line of confirmation in the Email: dciai.nic.in shall be appreciated.

Oxytocin is a hormonal injection that is used widely in the dairy industry, agriculture and horticulture to boost milk production and increase the size of vegetables.

Oxytocin is a uterine stimulant hormone, prescribed for the initiation of uterine contractions and induction of labour in women as well as stimulation of contractions during labour. It is also used to help abort the fetus in cases of incomplete abortion or miscarriage, and control bleeding after childbirth. It may be used for breast engorgement.

Studies have shown that Oxytocin is being misused to speed up deliveries for pregnant women in overcrowded government hospitals. The drug has been under scrutiny for long, with its retail sale by pharmacies already banned.

Oxytocin is listed on the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) for reproductive health. In India, it’s available under various brand names and many large Indian companies manufacture its formulation like Hemmo Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd, Pfizer Ltd, Cadila Healthcare Ltd and Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Below is the attachment for the same.

http://www.cdsco.nic.in/writereaddata/Oxytocin 18meeting notice.pdf