{"id":28078,"date":"2024-02-19T06:54:47","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T06:54:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=28078"},"modified":"2024-02-19T06:54:49","modified_gmt":"2024-02-19T06:54:49","slug":"what-do-you-understand-about-fixed-dose-drug-combinations-fdcs-discuss-their-merits-and-demerits-250-words-15-marks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-about-fixed-dose-drug-combinations-fdcs-discuss-their-merits-and-demerits-250-words-15-marks\/","title":{"rendered":"What do you understand about fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits. ( 250 Words, 15 Marks)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-gs-advance-and-mentorship-program-ampcsat?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Link&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Advanced\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs) refer to pharmaceutical products that contain two or more active ingredients combined in fixed proportions in a single dosage form. These combinations are designed to treat multiple symptoms or conditions simultaneously, offering potential benefits such as enhanced efficacy, improved patient compliance, and reduced pill burden. By combining multiple drugs into a single formulation, FDCs aim to simplify treatment regimens, especially in chronic conditions where patients may need to take multiple medications daily. Moreover, FDCs can be particularly useful in addressing conditions that require synergistic effects from multiple drugs or when one component of the combination serves to mitigate the side effects of another. For example, combining an antihypertensive agent with a diuretic in a single pill can provide better control of blood pressure while minimizing adverse effects like hypokalemia. However, FDCs also have their drawbacks. One significant concern is the potential for inappropriate prescribing, as healthcare providers may opt for FDCs without considering individual patient needs or potential drug interactions. Additionally, FDCs may limit dosing flexibility, making it challenging to adjust the dosage of individual components based on patient response or changing clinical circumstances. Furthermore, safety issues can arise if one component of the combination is unnecessary or if the dosage of one drug is not appropriate for all patients within the target population. Therefore, while FDCs offer advantages in terms of convenience and therapeutic synergy, careful consideration of their appropriate use and monitoring for adverse effects is essential to maximize their benefits and minimize risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tag: <\/strong>Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e3322ac76b6\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e3322ac76b6\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-about-fixed-dose-drug-combinations-fdcs-discuss-their-merits-and-demerits-250-words-15-marks\/#Decoding_the_Question\" title=\"Decoding the Question:&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Decoding the Question:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-about-fixed-dose-drug-combinations-fdcs-discuss-their-merits-and-demerits-250-words-15-marks\/#Answer\" title=\"Answer:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\">Answer:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-about-fixed-dose-drug-combinations-fdcs-discuss-their-merits-and-demerits-250-words-15-marks\/#Merits_of_FDCs\" title=\"Merits of FDC\u2019s:&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Merits of FDC\u2019s:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-about-fixed-dose-drug-combinations-fdcs-discuss-their-merits-and-demerits-250-words-15-marks\/#Disadvantages_of_the_FDCs\" title=\"Disadvantages of the FDCs:&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Disadvantages of the FDCs:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-about-fixed-dose-drug-combinations-fdcs-discuss-their-merits-and-demerits-250-words-15-marks\/#Way_Forward\" title=\"Way Forward:&nbsp;\">Way Forward:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-about-fixed-dose-drug-combinations-fdcs-discuss-their-merits-and-demerits-250-words-15-marks\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/what-do-you-understand-about-fixed-dose-drug-combinations-fdcs-discuss-their-merits-and-demerits-250-words-15-marks\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decoding_the_Question\"><\/span><strong>Decoding the Question:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>In the intro try to define FDC\u2019s.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>In Body,<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Write pros and cons (advantages and disadvantages of the FDCs) in two different parts of the answer.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Try to conclude, by writing about the ban of the government and related controversies and underline India\u2019s drug as a cheap but effective drug maker image world over.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Answer\"><\/span><strong>Answer:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A Fixed-dose combination is a cocktail of two or more active drug ingredients in a fixed ratio of doses. According to IMS Health, almost half the drugs sold in India in 2018 were FDC, making it a world leader in combination drugs.Fixed-dose combination drugs can help improve adherence to an HIV treatment regimen by reducing the number of pills a person must take each day. An example of FDC\u202fHIV drug\u202fis Atripla (a combination of efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Merits_of_FDCs\"><\/span><strong>Merits of FDC\u2019s:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Reduced Pill Burden:<\/strong> Improved medication compliance by the pill burden of the patients. This will also improve drug delivery as all the needed doses are taken into one dose.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Reduced Mental Burden:<\/strong> It also reduces the burden of keeping track of all the medicines, their time of taking, keeping related information in mind or remembering it is a very tedious task hence it will help patients release pressure from mind and take one pill and be assured.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Reduce Effects of Single Drug:<\/strong> It is said that FDC\u2019s help in reducing effects of single drugs or single dose on patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Simplifying Drug Regime:<\/strong> FDC\u2019s help in simplifying complex treatment drug regime and help in achieving desired results of drugs combination on patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Treatment of type two diabetes: <\/strong>Four key benefits are identified and discussed in support of FDCs for treatment of patients with T2DM: Greater efficacy compared with higher dose monotherapy, Reduced risk of adverse reactions relative to higher dose monotherapy, Lower overall costs, and Improved medication concordance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-cse-gs-integrated-course?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Integrated\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42401 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-585x137.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/300;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Disadvantages_of_the_FDCs\"><\/span><strong>Disadvantages of the FDCs:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Poor regulation:<\/strong> According to a study, of the 110 anti-TB FDCs available in India, only 32 (less than 30%) have been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the country\u2019s drug regulator.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Redundant Approval Process of CDSCO<\/strong> \u2013 Main amongst them are institutional problems such as understaffing, lack of skills, and inadequate infrastructure. However, the most significant issue is the issuance of manufacturing licenses by the State Licensing Authority without the prior clearance of the Drug Controller General of India DCG(I).\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Dangerous to human health: <\/strong>The FDCs formulated without due diligence can pose problems namely pharmacodynamic mismatch. One drug having additive\/ antagonistic effect leading to reduced efficacy or enhanced toxicity and chemical no compatibility leading to decreased shelf life.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>No therapeutic justification: <\/strong>The Health ministry banned 344 FDC\u2019s after the Drugs Technical Advisory Board recommended that there is no therapeutic justification; and involve risk to human beings;.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Problem of plenty: <\/strong>The estimated number of FDCs in India is over 6000.The existence of unlimited brands of FDCs with different permutations and combinations leads to confusion rather than guiding the prescribing doctor.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Way_Forward\"><\/span><strong>Way Forward:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Involving all stakeholders \u2013 consumers, physicians, regulatory authority, industry, and the academicians, is needed.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Pharmaceutical companies shall be forced to uphold the ethical concepts while introducing an FDC product. They have to conduct detailed studies on such combinations.&nbsp;<\/li><li>All the new and existing FDC products shall be subjected to a closely monitored national level post-marketing studies (Phase IV) involving identified community and hospital pharmacies in the country.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The marketing approval for the new FDC shall be given by the DCGI only after subjecting for Pharmacoeconomic and pharmacovigilance studies for a specified period of time.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The enforcement mechanism by the regulators needs to be strengthened. Both the central and state regulators must harmonize their procedures for licensing FDCs.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Awareness generation over irrational use of FDCs must be enhanced to combat antibiotic resistance.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The controversy arose when the government banned these drugs due to criticism that these drugs may be dangerous to health. It is convinced a large part of the products sold as FDCs are &#8220;irrational&#8221; and lack &#8220;therapeutic justification&#8221;, besides risking the health of patients. The greater clarity on the issues is needed as it is related to public health and also it may harm India\u2019s image as a cheap but good quality drug maker all over the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688 lazyload\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 781px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 781\/182;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-0852e8d9-d77d-4f32-b617-621718b5dbf9\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-f1a56b80-b7b4-4135-a37b-2aa2660d6bfd\">For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-ac11dd41-cc2b-4afd-b9df-7cc51084d393\">For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-3285c649-2f18-4f86-b863-9ca055737fe0\">Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" id=\"block-a98aa02f-712e-4117-a211-d368b2ee4be7\"><li>1. 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Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-e2cb2cad-5b82-4c27-b2a1-13223c909d62\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs) refer to pharmaceutical products that contain two or more active ingredients combined in fixed proportions in a single dosage form.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":28079,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1524],"tags":[2054,142,232,145,140],"class_list":["post-28078","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-upsc-mains-solved-paper-gs-3","tag-fixed-dose-drug-combinations","tag-previous_year_questions","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-mains-question-paper","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28078","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28078"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28078\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28080,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28078\/revisions\/28080"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28078"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28078"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28078"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}