In the world of pharmaceuticals, the production of new medicines is a constant process. Every year, pharmaceutical companies invest millions of dollars in research and development to bring new and innovative drugs to the market. But exactly how many new medicines are produced in a year by pharma?
According to the latest data, pharmaceutical companies around the world produce an average of 30-40 new medicines each year.
Are you someone who relies on medications to manage your health conditions? Whether it’s prescribed medication or over-the-counter drugs, being cautious about the side effects of medicines is crucial for your well-being. In this article, we will discuss the importance of understanding and managing the potential side effects of medications to ensure your safety and health.
What are Medicines Side Effects?
Medicines side effects are the unintended or unwanted effects that occur when taking a medication. When it comes to medications, various side effects can occur. Some are mild and while others can be severe and even life-threatening. It’s important to understand the risks associated with the medications you are taking and to be vigilant about any changes in your health.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Allergic reactions
Severe Side Effects
- Heart problems
- Liver damage
- Kidney failure
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Increased risk of infections
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most side effects are mild and will resolve on their own, there are instances where medical attention is necessary. You should seek immediate medical help if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Severe allergic reactions
- Unexplained swelling
To protect yourself from potential life-threatening side effects, it’s essential to take the following precautions:
Informed consent is a process in which healthcare providers communicate relevant information to patients so they can make informed decisions about their medical care. This information typically includes details about the nature of the procedure or treatment, its potential risks and benefits, alternative options, and the likely outcomes. Patients need to have a clear understanding of these factors before they can give valid consent.
Ensuring that patients are fully informed before making decisions about their care is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps to promote patient autonomy and respect for their rights. By giving patients the information they need to make informed decisions, healthcare providers empower them to take an active role in their care.
Second, informed consent helps to protect patients from harm. When patients have a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of a medical procedure, they are better equipped to weigh the potential outcomes and make decisions that are in their best interest. This can help to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that patients receive the care that is right for them.
There are several steps that healthcare providers can take to ensure that patients are fully informed before giving their consent to a medical procedure or treatment. These include:
- Providing clear and accurate information: Healthcare providers should communicate information to patients in a way that is easy to understand, using plain language and avoiding medical jargon.
- Allowing patients time to ask questions: Patients should be allowed to ask questions and seek clarification about any aspect of their care. Healthcare providers should be available to address any concerns and provide additional information as needed.
- Documenting informed consent: It is important for healthcare providers to document the informed consent process in the patient’s medical records. This helps to ensure that patients have been provided with the necessary information and have given their consent voluntarily.
- Obtaining consent before proceeding: Healthcare providers should obtain written consent from patients before proceeding with any medical procedure or treatment. This helps to ensure that patients are aware of the risks and benefits and have made an informed decision.
Being cautious about medicines side effects is essential because it helps you avoid potential harm to your body. Some side effects may be mild and temporary, while others can be severe and long-lasting. By being aware of the possible side effects of the medications you are taking, you can take proactive steps to minimize the risks and ensure your overall well-being.
How to Be Cautious?
- Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: Before starting any new medication, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the potential side effects. Your healthcare provider can provide you with valuable information about the medication, including common side effects, warning signs to watch out for, and how to manage any adverse reactions.
- Read the Medication Label: Take the time to read the medication label carefully. The label contains important information about the medication, including potential side effects, dosage instructions, and contraindications. By understanding the information on the label, you can take the medication as prescribed and be aware of any warning signs of side effects.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to how your body responds to the medication. If you experience any new or unusual symptoms after taking a medication, don’t ignore them. Keep track of your symptoms and report them to your healthcare provider right away. Early detection of side effects can help prevent more serious complications.
- Avoid Mixing Medications: Be cautious when taking multiple medications at the same time. Some medications can interact with each other and cause harmful side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates 27 Greenfield Bulk Drug Park projects and 13 Greenfield Manufacturing Plants for Medical Devices under the PLI Scheme
The PLI scheme is a result of wide-ranging deliberations on India’s dependence on critical resources, risk to supply chain bottlenecks and the Industry’s global competitiveness: Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
“It is noteworthy that today India has not only reduced its dependence on medicines, API and medical devices, the country is also emerging as a major exporter of these products, thanks to the success of the PLI scheme”
“Soon Penicillin G will be made in India. Since last 30 years, not being produced in India. Now under Atmanirbhar Bharat, we will produce it in the country itself”
PLI scheme envisages manufacturing of 41 Bulk Drugs with a total outlay of Rs. 6,940 cr. during the tenure of the scheme from 2020-21 to 2029-30
26 Applicants for manufacturing of Medical Devices have been approved for 138 products under the PLI scheme with total financial outlay of Rs.3,420 cr. for the period 2020-21 to 2027-28
A 5ml vial of Covaxin has been conveyed as a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Jun 03, 2020: Atma Nirbhar Bharat: Here are 53 drugs on which India will test self-reliance
Ref: https://www.businesstoday.in/industry/pharma/story/atma-nirbhar-bharat-here-are-53-drugs-on-which-india-will-test-self-reliance-260146-2020-06-03
In March 2021, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign is not about bringing back socialism or import substitution, rather the intent is to boost manufacturing.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Mandaviya said, “Medicines are an essential requirement for any society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the dangers of the supply chain getting affected, the risks of being highly dependent on imports of critical resources like bulk drugs and medical devices and its potential effects on India’s pharma and MedTech sector led to a lot of brainstorming within the Union Government.
The Production Linked Incentive scheme is a result of these wide-ranging discussions”. Expressing his elation at the inauguration of these greenfield projects under the PLI scheme, the Union Minister said, “It is noteworthy that today India has not only reduced its dependence on medicines, API and medical devices, the country is also emerging as a major exporter of these products, thanks to the success of the PLI scheme.
“Dr Mandaviya said that “The PLI-I scheme of the Union Government identified 48 critical bulk drugs for manufacturing locally. The success of this inaugural scheme led the government to launch the Rs. 15,000 crore PLI-II scheme which envisaged to increase our cost competitiveness for medicines and medical products in the international market”.
Enhanced bulk drug production capacity through the PLI scheme positions India to not just become a producer of finished formulations, but also a prominent supplier of raw materials. PLI scheme for Bulk Drugs has laid the foundation for revitalizing of India’s bulk drug industry, aiming to achieve self-reliance and regain global competitiveness.
Under the scheme, the financial incentive is given to selected companies at the rate of 5% of incremental sales of medical devices manufactured in India and covered under four Target Segments of the scheme i.e. (1) Cancer care equipment, (2) Imaging Devices, (3) Critical care devices, and (4) Body implants. Total 26 applicants have been approved for 138 products under the scheme. Investments of around Rs. 875 crores have already been grounded towards capacity creation under the scheme.
Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Dept. for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade noted that Union Government approached the COVID-19 pandemic with a mindset to turn the crisis into an opportunity. He highlighted the efforts of the administration in enhancing self-reliance, innovation and infrastructure, including both physical and digital as displays of such a vision.
Shri R K Singh stated that the PLI scheme was also envisaged through the same vision to bring in localisation and value addition to India’s pharma and MedTech industry and simultaneously also reduce over-dependence on critical resources from certain geographies.
Dr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary; Dept. of Pharmaceuticals gave a detailed presentation on the PLI scheme of the Union Government. He said that the drug and pharmaceutical industry in India witnessed a 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the last 10 years. He also highlighted that under the PLI scheme, as many as 1800 pharmaceutical products and formulations and 22 bulk drugs will be manufactured in India.
It was also informed that when the PLI scheme came in, India imported 90% of medical devices. After the introduction of the PLI scheme, the net imports of medical devices decreased for the first time in 2023.
The following are the details of bulk drug plants inaugurated today:
| Sl. No. | Name of the Company | Bulk Drugs | Location |
| 1 | Meghmani LLP | Para Amino Phenol | Dahej, Gujarat |
| 2 | Sadhana Nitro Chem Ltd. | Para Amino Phenol | Raigad, Maharashtra |
| 3 | Emmennar Pharma Pvt. Ltd. | 1,1 Cyclohexane Diacetic Acid (CDA) | Sangareddy, Telangana |
| 4 | Hindys Lab Pvt. Ltd. | 1,1 Cyclohexane Diacetic Acid (CDA) | Nalgonda, Telangana |
| 5 | Acyclovir | ||
| 6 | Kreative Actives Private Limited | Diclofenac Sodium | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| 7 | Dasami Lab Pvt. Ltd. | Carbamazepine | Nalgonda, Telangana |
| 8 | Oxcarbazepine | ||
| 9 | Hetero Drugs Limited | Carbidopa | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| 10 | Levodopa | ||
| 11 | Levofloxacin | Sangareddy, Telangana | |
| 12 | Oxcarbazepine | ||
| 13 | Honour Lab Limited | Levetiracetam | Sangareddy, Telangana |
| 14 | Valsartan | ||
| 15 | Lopinavir | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | |
| 16 | Vitamin B6 | ||
| 17 | Anasia Lab Private Limited | Losartan | Nalgonda, Telangana |
| 18 | Olmesartan | ||
| 19 | Andhra Organics Limited | Sulfadiazine | Srikukalam, Andhra Pradesh |
| 20 | Telmisartan | ||
| 21 | Amoli Organics Private Limited | Diclofenac Sodium | Vapi, Gujarat |
| 22 | Symbiotec Pharmalab Private Limited | Prednisolone | Dhar, M.P. |
| 23 | Hazelo Lab Pvt. Ltd. | Vitamin B6 | Yadadri Dist., Telangana |
| 24 | Aviran Pharmachem Private Limited | Artesunate | Mehsana, Gujarat |
| 25 | Centrient Pharmaceuticals India Private Limited | Atorvastatin | Nawanshahr, Punjab |
| 26 | Globela Industries Pvt. Ltd | Norfloxacin | Bharuch, Gujarat |
| 27 | Ofloxacin |
The following are the details of medical devices plants inaugurated today:
| Sl. No. | Applicants Name | Product | Location of Projects |
| 1 | Panacea Medical Technologies Private Limited | Linear Accelerator (LINAC), Rotational Cobalt Machine | Kolar, Karnataka |
| 2 | Philips Global Business Services LLP | MRI Coils | Taluka KHED, Pune, Maharashtra |
| 3 | Siemens Healthcare Private Limited | CT Scan and MRI | Hosur Road, Bengaluru |
| 4 | Wipro GE Healthcare Private Limited TS 2 | CT Scan, Cath Lab and Ultrasonography | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| 5 | Trivitron Healthcare Private LImited | X Ray Equipment, C-Arm, mammography and Ultrasonography | Raigad, Maharashtra & Vizag, A.P. |
| 6 | Allied Medical Limited | Anaesthesia workstation, Anaesthesia Unit Gas Scavengers, Anaesthesia Kits, Masks —Anaesthesia, Anaesthesia Unit Vaporizers, Anaesthesia Unit Ventilators, Automated external defibrillators (AEDs), Bi- Phasic Defibrillators, Infusion pumps – Syringe and Volumetric, etc. | Karoli, Alwar, Rajasthan |
| 7 | Microtek New Technologies Private Limited | Oxygen Concentrators | Baddi – Solan Himachal Pradesh |
| 8 | Nipro India Corporation Private Limited | Dialyzer | Satara, Maharashtra |
| 9 | Poly Medicure Limited | Dialyzer, Dialysis Machine, Peritoneal Dialysis kits, Fistula, Blood Line and Transducer Protector | Faridabad, Haryana |
| 10 | Majik Medical Solutions Pvt Ltd | Catheter Tubing (Cardiovascular) Micro-Catheter Tubing (Neurovascular) | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| 11 | Envision Scientific Private Limited | Stents and PTCA Ballon Catheter | Sachin, Surat, Gujarat |
| 12 | Innvolution Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. | Stents | Jaipur, Rajasthan & Vizag, A.P |
| 13 | Sahajanand Medical Technologies Private Limited | Stents, PTCA ballon Catheter | Surat,Gujarat and Sangareddy, Telangana |
Ref: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2010924
Additional Information:
All You Need to Know About Penicillin G
Penicillin G (penicillin G potassium), is an antibiotic prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections. It’s used for treating pneumonia, strep throat, staph infection, diphtheria, meningitis, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It may be administered to prevent heart valve infection before dental procedures for people with certain cardiac conditions.
It is used for treating:
- Septicemia and sepsis. Bacteria in the bloodstream
- Pneumonia: A lung infection
- Empyema: This respiratory infection of lung tissues often associated with pneumonia
- Pericarditis: Infection of the pericardium (the tissues around the heart)
- Endocarditis: An infection of the inner lining of the chambers and valves of the heart
- Meningitis: An infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord
- Anthrax: This infection of the skin arises due to bacteria called Bacillus anthracis
- Actinomycosis: This is a rare infection of the skin, soft tissues, and, in extreme cases, the blood
- Botulism: An illness caused by a toxin that’s released by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria
- Diphtheria: Life-threatening breathing problems, heart failure, or paralysis caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae
- Erysipelothrix endocarditis: A rare infection of the inner chambers of the heart
- Fusospirochetosis: Commonly known as “trench mouth,” this is a painful infection of the gums
- Listeria infection: Primarily affecting newborns, pregnant people, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems, this infection can lead to symptoms ranging from fever and diarrhea to loss of balance, headache, and convulsions
- Pasteurella infection: A skin and soft tissue infection due to animal bites and scratches
- Haverhill fever: Sometimes called “rat bite fever,” this infection arises due to rodent bites or scratches
- Gonorrhea: A sexually-transmitted disease (STD)
- Syphilis: An STD caused by Treponema pallidum
Precautions and Contraindications
As with any medication, some people may not be the best candidates for this approach, due to health status or other medications that they’re taking.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the factors that are considered:
- Penicillin allergy:Allergic reaction to penicillin G can be quite severe, so let your healthcare provider know if you’re allergic to any type of penicillin or any antibiotic.
- Antibiotic interactions: Other antibiotics can interfere with the efficacy of this injection. Adjustments in dosage may need to be made if you take cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, Ancef (cefazolin), Spectracef (cefditoren), or Suprax (cefixime), among others.
- Certain medications/supplements: Some prescription or over-the-counter medications can interact with penicillin G. Among the substances that can influence dosage are aspirin, chloramphenicol, diuretics (water pills), as well as sulfa antibiotics, and Achromycin (tetracycline).
- Liver disease: The liver plays an important role in processing medications that you take, so your healthcare provider would take special consideration before prescribing penicillin G if you have liver damage.
- Heart disease: Though this medication is sometimes administered for preventing infection if you have certain cardiac problems, if you have a history of heart disease, make sure to let your healthcare provider know.
- Kidney disease: Like the liver, the kidneys are involved in cleaning out the blood and processing medications you’ve taken. It’s important to let your practitioner know if you currently have or have had kidney problems.
- Nursing: Penicillin G can be passed via breastmilk, so you need to let your healthcare provider know if you are breastfeeding.
- Pregnancy: While there’s no evidence of harm from fetal exposure to this drug, not enough studies have been performed to conclusively rule out harm.
- Age: Newborns may not be able to properly metabolize penicillin G, so this medication isn’t often administered to this group. Children can take this drug, but dosage is adjusted based on weight .
Side Effects
As with all medications, people taking penicillin G may be subject to a range of side effects, both common and more severe. Let your healthcare provider know about your side effects and get prompt medical attention if you experience severe symptoms. Some adverse reactions are medical emergencies.
Common
If you’ve been prescribed penicillin G, there’s a chance that you may experience any of the following side effects:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sore or irritation in the mouth
- Change of color of the tongue
- Irritation at injection site
Severe
By far the most severe adverse reaction to Penicillin G is severe allergic shock, which can be deadly.
Additionally, if you experience any of the below symptoms, get medical attention immediately:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Breathing problems
- Trouble swallowing/talking
- Hoarse voice
- Swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
In addition, seek immediate attention if you have any of the following:
- Irregular or changed heartbeat
- Difficulties with thinking logically
- Weakness
- Lightheadedness/dizziness
- Numbness or tingling
- Shortness of breath
- Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes
- Skin reactions such as red, swollen blistered skin
- Red/irritated eyes
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fast breathing
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Muscular/joint pain
- Stomach pain
- Seizures
- Difficulty urinating
- Severe diarrhea with bloody stools, stomach pain, cramps
Warnings and Interactions
As mentioned, the most severe adverse reaction to Penicillin G is allergic shock, which can be deadly. These reactions can be immediate, with symptoms arising within 20 minutes of administration, or you can have a delayed reaction within one to two weeks.2
The efficacy of this drug can also be affected by the presence of other drugs or chemicals in your system. In fact, many medications and substances are known to interact with this drug in some way. The most common of these are:4
- Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
- Activated charcoal (charcoal)
- Adrenalin (epinephrine)
- Albenza (albendazole)
- B complex 100 (multivitamin)
- Calcium 600 D (calcium / vitamin D)
- Caltrate 600+D (calcium / vitamin D)
- Chloromycetin (chloramphenicol)
- Cyanoject (cyanocobalamin)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Digox (digoxin)
- Folinic-Plus (multivitamin)
- Hydrocortone (hydrocortisone)
- Lasix (furosemide)
- Levothyrox (levothyroxine)
- Methadose (methadone)
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
- Phenytoin sodium (phenytoin)
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
Source: Verywellhealth, Wikipedia -Image, Biospectrumindia – Image, Dutch Uncles-Image, Petcoach-Image, Click Pharma – Image
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