DCA issues advisory on unsafe sale of abortion kits in Telangana

Telangana’s Drug Control Administration (DCA) has warned against the illegal OTC sale of abortion kits, saying unsupervised use of Mifepristone and Misoprostol can cause severe bleeding and life-threatening complications. Pharmacies violating prescription rules face strict action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Hyderabad: The Telangana Drug Control Administration (DCA) has issued an advisory urging that abortion kits only be used under the supervision of a doctor or gynecologist. The advisory comes after instances were found of abortion kits being sold over-the-counter to individuals without a mandatory doctor’s prescription.

Abortion kits contain potent drugs like Mifepristone and Misoprostol, and their unsupervised use can result in serious and life-threatening complications. The over-the-counter (OTC) purchase and consumption of these drugs from medical shops without a doctor’s prescription and supervision is strictly prohibited and highly unsafe. This practice may lead to excessive uterine bleeding or other adverse outcomes that require emergency medical intervention.

---

These products are classified under Schedule H of the Drugs Rules and are therefore permitted to be sold only by licensed retail pharmacies upon presentation of a valid prescription issued by a qualified doctor.

Furthermore, if taken without medical supervision, Misoprostol can cause excessive uterine bleeding, which, if not managed promptly and appropriately, may lead to life-threatening complications. Therefore, it is mandatory that abortion kits be used only under proper medical guidance, strictly following legal and clinical protocols, the DCA said.

The illegal sale of Abortion Kits constitutes a serious offence punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules thereunder. The Telangana DCA will initiate strict legal action against pharmacies found violating the regulatory provisions regarding the sale of Abortion Kits (Abortifacient Drugs), the advisory said.