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In a move to curb the growing misuse of certain drugs, the drug control administration (DCA) under the Government of NCT of Delhi has issued a stern advisory to all chemists and druggists associations in the national capital territory.
The advisory, which specifically warns against the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of pregabalin and tapentadol formulations, was issued on August 14, 2025, and digitally signed by Kamal Ranjan Chawla, Head of Office and Controlling Authority.
It is learnt that the department has observed recent reports of individuals misusing pregabalin, an anticonvulsant and neuropathic pain medication, to get intoxicated or addicted. Similarly, the synthetic opioid analgesic, tapentadol, is also being misused, raising significant concerns among health authorities.
The advisory, addressed to the presidents of the Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance (RDCA) and All Chemist Associations of Delhi (ACAD), emphasizes that these drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction. ‘Retail Chemists are, therefore, advised not to indulge in the over the counter (OTC) sale of pregabalin and tapentadol formulations with immediate effect’, the letter states.
The advisory further instructs all stakeholders to maintain accurate records of their stock and ensure compliance with the Drugs Rules, 1945. The department has warned that any firms found violating this advisory will face stringent action.
The department has also requested the chemist associations to circulate the contents of the letter to their members and other chemists to ensure widespread awareness and compliance.
The advisory from the Delhi DCA comes amid growing national concern over the misuse of such drugs, especially through online platforms.
Recently, the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has brought the issue of online use of intoxicated drugs including pregabalin to the attention of the union home minister, calling for immediate intervention to stop it. The association has highlighted that the easy online access to medicines like pregabalin is directly contributing to a sharp rise in their misuse.
The issue is not limited to Delhi, as other states are also taking action. In Haryana, for example, the drug control authorities, in a coordinated effort with local police, recently conducted a raid in Sirsa. This operation resulted in the seizure of large quantities of pregabalin, tapentadol, and several other intoxicated drugs, underscoring the widespread nature of this problem.
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