In a significant crackdown on counterfeit pharmaceuticals, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has seized fake versions of heart medications Rosuvas F 20 and Rosuvas F 10 in Hyderabad’s Koti area. The counterfeit cholesterol-lowering drugs, labeled under the name of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, were discovered during intelligence-led raids on June 19, 2025. The DCA conducted surprise inspections at two distribution firms, Ganga Pharma Distributors and Sri Nandini Pharma, where they found fake versions of Rosuvas F 20 and Rosuvas F 10 with forged manufacturing dates and expiry dates.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd has confirmed that these products were not manufactured by them, leaving no doubt that the drugs seized were counterfeit and illegal. The drugs, containing Rosuvastatin and Fenofibrate, are commonly prescribed to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and are crucial in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and angina. The DCA has warned that counterfeit drugs endanger patients’ lives, failing to treat the disease and leading to severe health complications.
The value of the seized counterfeit drugs is estimated at ₹3 lakh, and investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the fake supply chain and bring the perpetrators to justice. This incident raises serious concerns about the integrity of the pharmaceutical distribution system, especially as India battles rising cases of lifestyle-related diseases, including heart ailments caused by processed food consumption and sedentary habits.
The proliferation of counterfeit heart medicines presents a dangerous new challenge to India’s already strained healthcare system. With lifestyle diseases on the rise, access to authentic and effective medication is more critical than ever. The DCA has vowed to intensify inspections, ensure supply chain vigilance, and protect public health from such deceptive and harmful practices. The agency’s efforts aim to prevent patients from unknowingly consuming fake medicines, which can lead to major cardiovascular events and negate the benefits of legitimate treatment.
The seizure of counterfeit drugs is a significant step towards ensuring public health safety, and the DCA’s commitment to protecting the pharmaceutical supply chain is crucial in preventing the spread of counterfeit medicines. The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and action against counterfeit pharmaceuticals, which pose a significant threat to public health. By cracking down on counterfeit drugs, the DCA aims to safeguard the health and well-being of citizens, especially those suffering from lifestyle-related diseases.