FDA blocks imports of 30 generic drugs

updated 3:26 p.m. ET Sept. 16, 2008

WASHINGTON - The government is closing U.S. borders to more than 30 generic drugs — including popular antibiotics and cholesterol medicines — made by India's drug giant Ranbaxy Laboratories because of poor quality in two of its factories.

The Food and Drug Administration says consumers who already have the drugs shouldn't worry: Repeated testing hasn't found any contamination, and Ranbaxy can continue selling medicines made at any of its other factories.

The showdown instead is over what the FDA says is Ranbaxy's failure to correct significant manufacturing problems that could lead to subpotent drugs, allergic reactions or other problems.

The move also may affect a U.S. program sending AIDS drugs to Africa, as Ranbaxy is a leading supplier.

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