India Bans THESE 'Addictive' Drugs To West Africa Over Misuse Concerns: How Dangerous Are Opioid-Relaxant Combos?

(MENAFN- Live Mint) The Indian government has prohibited the manufacturing and export of a dangerous combination of opium drugs, Tapentadol, Carisoprodol. The development has come days after media reports claimed these were being misused in certain West African nations.

The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry halted all operations at the premises of Mumbai-based Aveo Pharmaceuticals after an audit by a joint team from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the state regulatory authority, PTI reported on Sunday.

India bans export of opioid drugs Tapentadol and Carisoprodol

Amid reports of misuse of unapproved combination drugs containing Tapentadol and Carisoprodol in West African nations, the Centre has banned their production and export in India.

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has issued a Stop Production Order to“M/s. Aveo Pharmaceuticals” on February 22 for the production and export of the combination drug.

“Following the audit, the investigation team seized all raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products. Approximately 1.3 crore tablets/capsules and 26 batches of APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol were detained to prevent further distribution of these potentially dangerous drugs,” ANI quoted health ministry's statement.

These drugs are made from natural substances found in the opium poppy plant. Here are the key side-effects of these 'addictive' drugs.

Tapentadol and Carisoprodol: What are their side effects?

Tapentadol is a strong opioid, which is a class of drugs generally made from the opium poppy plant. The category of these drugs is used as painkillers as they block pain signals by binding to opioid receptors on nerve cells, according to the National Cancer Institute.

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