New Delhi . A major warning has been issued regarding thyroid and antibiotics which are widely used in the country. Carbimazole, a drug used to treat thyroid, and Doxycycline, an antibiotic used to treat infections, have been found to have new and potentially dangerous side effects. In view of these side effects, India’s drug regulatory body Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) have issued strict instructions to all the states and union territories that the new side effects should be recorded in the form of clear and prominent warnings in the packets and prescription information of these medicines.

According to experts, Carbimazole is mainly used to control hyperthyroidism i.e. increased thyroid hormones. But a recent review has found that consumption of this medicine can dangerously reduce the number of white blood cells in some patients. This condition is called agranulocytosis, which severely weakens the body’s immune system. When there is a deficiency of white blood cells in the body, the patient can be badly affected even by simple infections. Due to decreased ability to fight viruses, bacteria and fungus, the infection can spread rapidly and in severe cases it can also prove fatal. Therefore, doctors have been advised to get regular blood tests done in patients taking Carbimazole and to get them tested immediately if symptoms like fever, sore throat or infection appear.

At the same time, worrying signs have also been found regarding Doxycycline. This medicine is commonly prescribed for bacterial infections, skin diseases, respiratory infections and many other conditions. But a new review has revealed that in some cases its consumption can cause mental health problems. Symptoms like mood changes, anxiety, depression or confusion have been seen in patients. Although such cases are said to be rare, regulatory bodies have made it mandatory to include these potential risks in drug information as a precautionary measure.

This decision has been taken after a detailed review of the side effects of the medicines at the national level. CDSCO and DCGI have clarified that patient safety is the top priority and pharmaceutical companies will have to maintain transparency. Now it will be mandatory to print strict safety warnings on the packets of these medicines, so that both patients and doctors are fully aware of the possible risks.

Experts say that patients should not stop the medicine without doctor’s advice, but if any unusual symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately. Awareness and vigilance are the biggest ways to prevent these side effects.