Hyderabad: The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) on Wednesday seized Gabazen tablets in Malakpet after finding that they were allegedly being marketed and sold as a nutraceutical (food supplement) instead of a prescription medicine.According to officials, the tablets were manufactured by Gothic Pharmaceuticals in Cherlapally and marketed by Sifco Ayustar, Hyderabad.Gabazen (gabapentin 300 mg) is a prescription medicine commonly used to treat nerve pain and certain types of seizures. Officials said the product was being sold under an FSSAI food licence even though its active ingredient classifies it as a drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.Medicines containing gabapentin must be manufactured only under a valid drug licence and comply with stringent quality and safety standards. Products marketed as food supplements instead of medicines may not be subject to these regulatory requirements, potentially putting patients at risk.“We have collected samples of the tablets for laboratory testing, and further investigation is underway. Action will be taken against those responsible if violations are confirmed,’ a DCA official said.The official added that manufacturing or selling medicines without a valid drug licence is a punishable offence and carries a prison term of up to five years.
