Through a notification G.S.R. 277(E) issued on March 23, 2018, the Health Ministry has shifted 14 steroid based creams and ointments to Schedule H category by amending the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 to be called the Drugs and Cosmetics (Second Amendment) Rules, 2018.

As per the notification, “in the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, in Schedule H, after serial number 537 and the entries relating thereto, the following serial numbers and entries shall be inserted, namely,-

538. Alclometasone

539. Beclomethasone

540. Betamethasone

541. Desonide

542. Desoximetasone

543. Dexamethasone

544. Diflorasone diacetate

545. Fluocinonide

546. Fluocinolone acetonide

547. Halobetasol propionate

548. Halometasone

549. Methylprednisone

550. Prednicarbate

551. Triamcinolone acetonide”

This means that these formulations will now not be available over the counter without the prescription of the doctor.