“The decision to revoke the ban over the oral anti-Diabetes drug ‘Pioglitazone’ is actually a beneficial decision for Diabetic patients. Pioglitazone increases the Insulin capacity and is safe for Indian population”, quotes Dr. D. C. Sharma, Deptt. Head, Endocrinology, MB Hospital, Udaipur.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare decided to suspend the drug in the recent past, as per the possible suspicion of linking its long-term use to Urinary Bladder Cancer.

Dr. Sharma said, “Among 6 Crore Diabetic patients in India, nearly 30 Lac patients used to take Pioglitazone in the treatment course, given its efficient capabilities.  The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare held a meeting with Drugs Technical Advisory Board and has concluded that, if used in a precise or controlled manner, this drug can be very useful in the treatment, especially the Type 2 Diabetes”.

“Doctors know the fact, but will eventually be informed about the circumstances in which they can prescribe Pioglitazone to a patient. The patient on their behalf should talk to their Doctor before taking any dosage and the Doctor themselves will suggest them the drug, after studying their past diabetes history”, he added.

Dr. Sharma also quoted that Pioglitazone is relatively cheap and sold at Rs. 1 – Rs. 4 per tablet.

It is to be noted that, Pioglitazone is distributed in India by major firms including Ranbaxy, Cipla and Sun Pharma and it’s annual market is estimated at Rs 700 crore.

Referring sources, the drug was banned in France three years back, but its usage is continued in US, UK and other countries, but with a warning label.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare banned Pioglitazone on July 18th for its association with various health risks, but the ban was revoked on July 31st. Though, the Ministry made clear that the drug manufacturers have to carry a bold red letter warning on the packaging of the drug.