Butola S, Rajagopal M. Ban on dextropropoxyphene is unjustifiable. Indian Journal of Palliative Care 2015;21:3-7
In this article, Dr Savita Butola and APHN Vice-Chairman, Dr M. R. Rajagopal, argue why the ban on dextropropoxyphene in India should be withdrawn. The ban on Dextropropoxyphene, taking away the only inexpensive Step II analgesic, was an action that follow suit the withdrawal of this drug in the UK, the US and in European Union. Each country had a different reason for banning it, and India followed with one act on 23rd May 2013. According to Dr Savita Butola and Dr M. R. Rajagopal, the ban on dextropropoxyphene resulted due to the sheer misunderstanding of facts, and that this ban has resulted in a huge burden of suffering. Furthermore, it was emphasised that the only other Step II opioid available is about ten times more expensive.
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