Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) orders a ban on the sale and distribution of certain Cadila Pharmaceuticals products, along with a recall, citing the risk of medication errors caused by similar brand names. The action covers Aciloc 150, Aciloc 150 Plus, Aciloc 300 and Aciloc 300 Plus. The FDA says the products use different active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)—with the Aciloc 150 and 300 variants using ranitidine, while the “Plus” versions use famotidine—yet their branding and packaging are nearly the same, which it says could confuse doctors, pharmacists and patients and lead to the wrong medicine being dispensed.
The FDA states the order follows an inspection linked to the company’s activities in Amravati and further investigations at carrying and forwarding agent depots in locations including Pune, Nagpur and Bhiwandi (Thane). Officials report stock worth about Rs 2.45 crore is seized, and the FDA prohibits sale and distribution of Aciloc 150 Plus and Aciloc 300 Plus while directing an immediate market recall of all listed Aciloc 150 and 300 variants. The regulator also indicates legal action may follow under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.