Bengaluru

controller

Bollywood

Pulkit Samrat

Abir Saraswath

Anil Abraham

spread

About 8,000 dermatologists across the country, including many from, have brought to the notice of the druggeneral of India (DCGI) the launch of a new brand of men’s fairness cream that contains ‘potent steroids’. At the centre of the controversy is U B Fair cream manufactured by Torque Pharmaceuticals based in Chandigarh; the brand is being endorsed byactorof Fukrey fame.The dermatologists point to claims made in the product ads that say it is a steroid-based cream. They say it should be considered a drug. The product was launched in Mumbai recently. The two doctors who have written to the DCGI on behalf of the dermatology community across the country are Drand Bengalurubased dermatologist Dr. Both are a part of the India Association of Dermatologists, Venerelogists and Leprologists (IADVL). They are likely to start a social media campaign toawareness on the issue.In one of the U B Fair advertisements, the ingredients mentioned are fluocinolone acetonide in addition to hydroquinone and tretinoin -- which are pharmaceutical agents not to be used in the cosmetic drugs. Dr Abraham says, “While we are trying to control steroid misuse in the country, we come across a fairness cream that is openly marketing the use of steroids. They claim to make people fair, but according to Schedule J, The Drugs and Cosmetics Rule 1945, no drug can claim to prevent or cure a list of (conditions) and fairness is one among them (sic).”Fairness creams with steroids are often sold illegally in some parlours under fancy names. These are essentially cold creams mixed with bleaching powder. When the dermatologists saw a rise in these cases, they started awareness programmes advising people against using these items. The creams show remarkable results initially but in a matter of 15 days, adverse effects like dryness, itchiness and broken blood vessels often start showing up. Some dermatologists are even warning pharmacists against stocking such drugs. Raghuram Bhandary, drug controller of Karnataka, said, “I am aware of the issue and I will write to the chemists’ and the druggists’ associations to be cautious and to not stock this cream (since) it could land them in trouble.”UNFAIR COMPONENTS» Fluocinolone acetonide — is a corticosteroid used to reduce skin inflammation and itching. Side-effects due to prolonged usage include acne, burning, peeling or softness.» Hydroquinone — is skin bleaching agent. Side effects include skin burns, drying and also breathing issues.» Tretinoin — is retinoic acid (metabolite of Vitamin A) in pharmaceutical form. This is not recommended for expectant mothers since it is likely to cause birth defects