By Florence Afriyie Mensah, GNA
Kumasi, April 12, GNA – The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Ashanti Region has confiscated several quantities of Tramadol and other drugs which are not permitted to be sold by ‘Over the Counter (OTC) medical and pharmacy shops’.
Mrs. Nora Narkie Terlabie, Ashanti Regional Head of FDA, told the media in Kumasi that more than 5,000 pieces of Tramadol and other illicit drugs were seized following a market surveillance conducted in 84 OTC and pharmacy shops in the Region.
According to her, the market surveillance revealed a worrying trend of illegal sale of the drug and even in higher dosages by OTC shops which were not permitted to do so.
The shops were offering 120mg and 225mg dosages of Tramadol, a synthetic analgesic for sale which is far beyond the dosage – 50mg and 100mg, which had been registered by the Authority to be sold only under prescription by qualified medical officer.
She indicated that the affected pharmacy and OTC shops have been referred to the Pharmacy Council for further action.
She said the Authority together with the Ashanti Regional Police Command had also arrested a number of peddlers offering Tramadol and other unregistered drugs for sale to the public.
Mrs Terlarbie said the action was part of steps being taken to reduce the circulation and minimize the misuse of Tramadol and other related drugs, which were often not prescribed by qualified medical officers.
She said the Authority was alarmed by the recent reported cases of misuse of Tramadol and other un-prescribed drugs which were being abused by the youth.
Mrs. Terlarbie said the Authority had intensified public education campaign against the misuse and abuse of Tramadol and other related drugs in the Ghanaian society.
She pointed out that some of the reasons for the abuse of the drug included supposed enhancement of sexual drive and prolonged ejaculation, pain reliever, drift to deep restful sleep and euphoria.
She however said the side effects of the abuse of the drug were impotence, sexual problems, and loss of interest in sex, constipation, noisy breathing, slow heart beat rate and drowsiness.
Mrs. Terlarbie gave the assurance that the Authority would continue its public education campaign and collaborate with all stakeholders to bring the menace under control.
GNA
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