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"Adverse Drug
Event of the month"
Misuse of medicines from non allopathic systems- adulteration with corticosteroids Non-allopathic Indian medicines, referred to elsewhere in the world as complementary and alternative medicine have gained increasing recognition in recent years both as treatment options and health hazards [1]. Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy are practiced in India as non-allopathic systems. While the reasons for the use of these medicines are many and vary between countries, in many parts of the world, these are the only sources of treatment that the population has access to. In India, all non-allopathic products are available over the counter [2]. In addition, adverse reactions are also perceived to be lower with medicines from non-allopathic systems [3]. Failure of the allopathic system to provide complete relief for chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma and epilepsy often prompts patients to turn to non-allopathic systems. From June 1997-June 2003, we analyzed a total of 242 samples of non allopathic systems for the presence of corticosteroids. These samples were sent to us by allopathic practitioners who suspected adulteration of these medicines based on the patient's clinical presentation. Analysis for the presence of corticosteroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone, betamethasone and triamcinolone) was done by qualitative thin layer chromatography. A total of 28/242 (11.57%) were positive for corticosteroids. We have also previously shown that so called "Ayurvedic" tablets actually contained phenytoin and phenobarbitone [4]. The Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text classifies physicians into three categories- pseudo-physician, feigned physician and a genuine physician [5]. The non-allopathic systems are exploited by quacks who induce gullible patients into spending large amounts of money with little benefit. Findings such as these when published also bring disrepute to these systems and shift focus away from possible benefits. The patient, the physician (both allopathic and non-allopathic) and the regulator should be vigilant to in order to check the abuse/misuse of non allopathic medicines by quacks. |