The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has issued a crucial mandate to all pharmacies across the state: rigorously maintain prescription records for specific, potent medications. This directive specifically targets anabolic-androgenic steroids and cardiac stimulants, aiming to drastically curb their dangerous misuse, particularly within the bodybuilding community.
This decisive action comes on the heels of an extensive enforcement drive by the DCA, which uncovered widespread illegal procurement and sale of these prescription-only drugs, including Mephentermine injections, at various gyms and fitness centers in Hyderabad. The DCA highlighted the severe and often life-threatening health risks associated with the non-therapeutic use of such substances. These risks range from debilitating cardiovascular disorders and severe hormonal imbalances to significant psychiatric disturbances and, in extreme cases, even death.
The DCA emphatically re-emphasized the existing regulatory framework, reminding all licensed pharmacies that anabolic-androgenic steroids and cardiac stimulants are strictly prescription-only medicines. They can only be dispensed against a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. The administration made it clear that any illegal sale, unauthorized diversion, or improper distribution of these drugs for abusive purposes constitutes a grave violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Such breaches will be met with stringent legal repercussions, including immediate cancellation of licenses and vigorous prosecution under the full extent of the law.