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The National Security Agency Medicine and Medical Devices (ANSM) in France has issued a warning regarding the use of certain medicines decongestants used to treat symptoms of a cold common. These drugs, which contain pseudoephedrine, have been linked to increased risk of myocardial infarctions and strokes. Although he risk is considered low, the ANSM has expressed concern due to the severity of these events and their persistence, regardless of the dose or duration of treatment. The agency has recommended avoiding its use, putting the public on alert.
The medicines decongestants mentioned in warning They are widely known and are marketed under various brand names, such as Actifed Rhume, Dolirhume, Humex Rhume, Rhinadvil Rhume, among others. The ANSM recommendation has been endorsed by various medical and pharmaceutical organizations, including the College of General Practitioners, the National Professional Council of Otorhinolaryngology, the National College of Pharmacists and unions of office pharmacists.
These medicines, available as tablets or nasal sprays, combine pseudoephedrine (a decongestant) with pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and/or antihistamines such as doxylamine, chlorphenamine, triprolidine, or diphenhydramine. They are often sold without a prescription, which has led to inappropriate and worrying use.
What does the rest of Europe think about the alert that France raised about this medicine?
Concern for the safety of these medicines It is not exclusive to France. The European Agency for Medicine (EMA) announced in February 2023 that it would be reviewing its status, given that cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) have been reported in people who consumed these medications. Both conditions can result in reduced blood flow to the brain, which increases the risk of strokes.
Even though that him risk is considered low, the ANSM, supported by other health organizations, has chosen to discourage the use of these medicines given the availability of safer alternatives. It is important to remember that the a cold Common is a mild viral infection that usually resolves on its own in about 7 to 10 days. Instead of resorting to medicines, symptomatic approaches can be used to treat complaints, such as mild fever, nasal congestion, or cough. These include staying well hydrated, using saline solutions to decongest your nose, resting, sleeping with your head elevated, and ventilating rooms.
The EMA review could lead to a possible ban on these medicines throughout the European Union. In the meantime, ANSM continues to monitor the situation and may take additional measures to ensure patient safety. The main message is clear: although the risk is low, people’s safety and health are the priority.