Chennai, February 18 The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Drugs Control warned against the purchase, sale, and consumption of oral nicotine pouches on Wednesday, as they have not been approved in India.
Furthermore, the directorate said that its safety, efficacy, and quality have not been established, after receiving a complaint about the illegal sale of oral nicotine pouches.
Following the complaint about the sale of oral nicotine pouches through online portals, the directorate took up the case and issued a show-cause notice seeking an explanation from dealers in New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, a release here said.
"These dealers have been issued the show-cause notice for selling the oral nicotine pouches without the necessary licenses and also for selling the unapproved drug, which has been manufactured/imported in violation of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules made thereunder," the release said.
A similar notice was issued to an online portal in Bengaluru.
The release advised the public to refrain from using such nicotine pouches as a smoking cessation aid, gutka and tobacco chewing cessation aid, or for treating nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
"The safety, efficacy, and quality of such nicotine pouches have not yet been established. These products directly deliver pharmacologically active substance to the bloodstream through buccal absorption. Uncontrolled consumption of nicotine may result in more serious health hazards due to increased nicotine intake," it said.
The directorate asked manufacturers, retailers including online marketplace operators, distributors, hospitals, and pharmacies in the state to refrain from manufacturing, stocking, exhibiting, or offering for sale of such unapproved oral nicotine pouches.
The Directorate of Drugs Control can be contacted on Whatsapp number: 9445865400 for guidance or reporting.