Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 8/2/2004

Question
sir   why xenical-  antiobesity drug(brand usa 'orlistat) not so far available in india?..when it will be available?by whom?cheap?
which is the best multivitamin as its suppording drug in india(superactive--multivitamin with omega 3 fatty acid)

Answer
Dear Mr. Kotecha,
Xenical is not available in India since Roche has not made a serious attempt to get the drug cleared in India. It is available form sites in UK. I am aware that there are some companies trying to launch a generic orlistat but so far none have reached a stage to make an application to DCI. When they launch it, the cost will come down, but till then it will remain pretty high.
Regards
Ravi Ghooi