For prevention of filariasis, normally diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is used. Its control is part of the government programme. Large quantities of DEC are bought and supplied to people in endemic areas. The paramedical staff is not always aware of the name of the medicine but they must tell the dose. Expiry is not a problem since it is three years from the date of manufacture. DEC is sold under the brand name of Banocide by GlaxoSmithKline and Hetrazan by Wyeth.