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FDA Bans Indian-Made Drugs

28 medications included in import ban

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 17, 2008 1:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – The FDA has banned imports of 28 products made in India by one of the world's biggest generic drug makers, Ranbaxy. The drugs include antibiotics and antiviral medication, as well as medicines for high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, allergies and acne, reports the Washington Post. There is no danger to the public from the drugs, despite manufacturing violations, said officials, who urged consumers taking the drugs to continue to do so.

The move is not expected to create a drug shortage. All but one of the products are made by other companies. The action was described as a "preventive action" taken after manufaturing violations were discovered at two plants in India. "We did not find any defects in the products themselves," said a spokeswoman.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Ranbaxy Laboratories chief executive and managing director Malvinder Mohan Singh. The FDA has banned 28 Ranbaxy made drugs from the US. (AP Photo/Mustafa Quraishi)

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We believe this step is warranted because of the seriousness and the extent
of the violations. - Deborah M. Autor, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

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FDA Bans Indian-Made Drugs