The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, on Saturday issued a stern advisory to all retail and wholesale medical shops across the state, warning against the illegal sale and misuse of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids and cardiac stimulants such as Mephentermine Injection by gyms and fitness centres.

According to the DCA, several gyms have been found procuring and selling these prescription-only medicines to gym-goers for bodybuilding purposes, posing grave health risks, including cardiovascular disorders, hormonal imbalance, psychiatric disturbances and even death.

DCA Director-General Shahnawaz Qasim reiterated that steroids and cardiac stimulants are strictly 'prescription medicines' and must be sold only against valid prescriptions issued by registered medical practitioners. He cautioned that any illegal sale, diversion, or distribution of such drugs constitutes a serious violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and would invite stringent action which includes licence cancellation and prosecution.

The advisory directed all the pharmacies to exercise utmost vigilance, maintain proper prescription records, and prevent diversion of such drugs for non-therapeutic or abusive use.

The DCA urged the public to report any illegal drug-related activities or suspected manufacturing operations involving narcotic or psychotropic substances through its toll-free helpline 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.