New Delhi, Feb. 24 -- Indian drug regulators have imposed an immediate prohibition on the manufacture and export of pharmaceutical combinations containing tapentadol and carisoprodol, following reports of these unapproved drug combinations contributing to an opioid crisis in West Africa.

The decision comes after a Mumbai-based company, Aveo Pharmaceuticals, was found exporting these unauthorised combinations to several West African nations.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has directed state and Union territory drug authorities to revoke all export NOCs and manufacturing licenses for products combining these medications.

The regulatory action follows a BBC report highlighting the significant abuse potential of these combina...