Representative image NEW DELHI: A commonly used spinal anaesthesia drug has come under scrutiny after the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists (ISA) advised doctors across the country to immediately stop using Themis-manufactured bupivacaine following reports of serious adverse events.In an urgent advisory issued on Monday, the ISA asked anaesthesiologists nationwide not to use bupivacaine manufactured by Themis for spinal anaesthesia or any other purpose until further notice, saying the precautionary measure had been taken in the interest of patient safety while investigations are underway.Bupivacaine is among the most commonly used local anaesthetics for spinal and epidural anaesthesia during surgeries. The ISA said the advisory followed reports of serious adverse events linked to the Themis-manufactured drug, but did not disclose the number or nature of the events. Investigations are continuing.Hospitals have also been advised to identify and segregate existing stocks of the drug, withdraw them from clinical use and switch to alternative approved brands for spinal anaesthesia procedures.A separate caution notice issued by the ISA’s Hyderabad Metro City Branch directed consultants, resident doctors, anaesthesia technicians and operation theatre personnel to immediately suspend the use of Themis Bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia. It said no ampoules of the product should be used for neuraxial administration until an official clearance is issued, and any inadvertent use must be reported immediately to the head of the department.”This is a precautionary advisory issued in the interest of patient safety. Reports of serious adverse events have been received from multiple hospitals, and until the investigation is completed, we have advised doctors to stop using the product,” said Dr Sherry Mathews, president of the Hyderabad Metro City Branch of the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWhy Nayara Reduced Fuel Prices But PSU Oil Companies Didn’t?Dhaka Threatens Action Against Media Airing Sheikh Hasina’s Statements After Return ClaimSpecialised ‘Baaz Battalions’ to Strengthen Border Monitoring, ISR and Battlefield Awareness’Break Silos, Self-Reliance’: PM Modi Holds High-Level Meet With Union SecretariesMumbai Horror: School Bus Crushed By Falling Tree In Mumbai; One Child Dead, Five Injured’Kashmir Is Not Part Of Pakistan’: PoJK Protesters Warn IslamabadAfter Converting To Islam For Love, UP’s Ayush Malik Returns To Hinduism | Watch’This Is Bigger Than Dharmendra Pradhan’: Students Demand Reforms Not ‘Political Damage Control’Another Blow To Uddhav Thackeray: Prominent Mumbai Leader Sachin Ahir Switches Sides | WatchRs 65 Lakh House, SUV, Farmhouse: Ram Temple Donation Theft Accused’s Assets Under Scanner123PhotostoriesHighest-protein Indian dals ranked from best to leastWhat would you do? My colleague constantly asks about my personal life; 5 women share how they reactedFrom Naomi Osaka to Maria Sharapova: Five times Tennis stars paid homage to pop culture with their on-court fits7 countries where children walk to school alone and why parents trust themJuly gardening guide: 7 flowers, fruits, and vegetables to plant in the UKThis Amritsari-style Eggless Potato Mayonnaise by Chef Vikas Khanna is a treat for vegetariansWhy some people leave your texts unread for hours? Psychology says it may not be about ‘rejection’ after allFrom 124-Year-Old Plum Cakes to Legendary Biscuits: 5 of India’s oldest bakeries every food lover needs to try60-second money lesson: What your UPI history reveals about your spending habits9 actors who learned real skills for roles: Cillian Murphy, Kate Winslet, Jenna Ortega and more123Hot PicksLPG gas priceCBSE best marks ruleCBSE Class 12 supplementary exam 202Ram Temple donation theftMumbai RainsNew visa ruleZohran MamdaniNayara petrol priceAP EAPCET Result 2026Top TrendingNayara energy petrol priceLPG priceSonam RaghuvanshiFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovMK StalinJosh Hokit
NEW DELHI: A commonly used spinal anaesthesia drug has come under scrutiny after the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists (ISA) advised doctors across the country to immediately stop using Themis-manufactured bupivacaine following reports of serious adverse events.In an urgent advisory issued on Monday, the ISA asked anaesthesiologists nationwide not to use bupivacaine manufactured by Themis for spinal anaesthesia or any other purpose until further notice, saying the precautionary measure had been taken in the interest of patient safety while investigations are underway.Bupivacaine is among the most commonly used local anaesthetics for spinal and epidural anaesthesia during surgeries. The ISA said the advisory followed reports of serious adverse events linked to the Themis-manufactured drug, but did not disclose the number or nature of the events. Investigations are continuing.Hospitals have also been advised to identify and segregate existing stocks of the drug, withdraw them from clinical use and switch to alternative approved brands for spinal anaesthesia procedures.A separate caution notice issued by the ISA’s Hyderabad Metro City Branch directed consultants, resident doctors, anaesthesia technicians and operation theatre personnel to immediately suspend the use of Themis Bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia. It said no ampoules of the product should be used for neuraxial administration until an official clearance is issued, and any inadvertent use must be reported immediately to the head of the department.“This is a precautionary advisory issued in the interest of patient safety. Reports of serious adverse events have been received from multiple hospitals, and until the investigation is completed, we have advised doctors to stop using the product,” said Dr Sherry Mathews, president of the Hyderabad Metro City Branch of the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists.
