Multidose preparations have definite place especially in the public sector
of resource contrained countries like India. They save cost, space, and
make economic sense. Extra amount in a given multidose vial is to cover
for any losses incurred during preparing a dose form the multidose vial.
This cannot be used as an additional dose, unless the addition amount
makes one full dose in terms of quantity.
However, this should not be promoted by the
manufacturers as an additional benefit to the vaccinator/doctor. The onus
does not entirely lay with the company alone, but the practitioner is also
equally responsible for indulging in such unethical practices. This sort
of malpractice should not be a valid reason to justify discontinuation of
preparation and marketing of multi-dose vials. This should at best be
viewed as merely a cheap marketing gimmick. If a company is found
indulging in such unethical practices to promote sales of their multi-dose
preparations, the same must be brought in the knowledge of IAPCOI
immediately, so that a befitting letter can be written to the erring
company.
