Carbamazepine, Ranitidine and Ibuprofen to be 50% costlier

Carbamazepine is an anti-epileptic drug and used to prevent and control seizures. Ranitidine, on the contrary, is used to treat stomach ulcers and prevent them from returning. In contrast, Ibuprofen is a pain-relieving medicine used in headaches, dental pain, menstrual pains, and arthritis.

The NPPA is responsible for monitoring the availability of drugs, identify shortages, and take remedial steps. It also publishes lists of medicines and their maximum ceiling prices. It is responsible for monitoring the prices of de-controlled drugs to keep them reasonably priced.

Late in June, the agency sent a demand notice to the Indian subsidiary of Anglo-Swedish pharma major AstraZeneca, alleging overcharging of Tagrisso (Osimertinib) tablets.

Tagrisso is an anti-cancer drug, and the agency alleged that AstraZeneca has been overcharging on it, even after the government put a cap on the trade margin of 42 anti-cancer medicines when products pass from sellers to buyers.