They are pronounced the same, but the drug Lytos and the food supplement Lithos are indeed different and should not be confused, recalls the Medicines Agency. Recommendations to not be mistaken!
Attentionmedication Lytos (indicated in the treatment of diseases that cause bone destruction or an increase in calcium in the blood) and the dietary supplement Lithos (indicated in case of severe fluid loss) confuse easilybecause of their similar pronunciation and dosage (2 tablets per day) as well as their very close spelling. In effect, a new case of confusion between these two products has been reported to the Medicines Agency (ANSM) when they are dispensed in pharmacies. The opportunity for the health authority to recall, via a press release dated October 18, 2022, the right reflexes to have to avoid the risk of medication error.
What is the difference between Lytos and Lithos?
► Lytos is a medication marketed by the Riemser Pharma laboratory based on sodium clodronate tetrahydrate, belonging to the family of bisphosphonates and indicated in the treatment of calcium metabolism abnormalities (serious cases of hypercalcemia in relay of the injectable form for example) or a osteolysis (destruction of bone tissue). It is only available on medical prescription. To avoid confusion, the laboratory has decided to change its secondary labeling in 2023.
► Lithos is a dietary supplement marketed by Biohealth Italy based on potassium and magnesium citrate. It is used in case of significant loss of liquid linked to excessive sweating, too frequent urination (significant diuresis) or diarrhea. So it has nothing to do with the first one.
Recommendations for the patient in case of doubt
- Do not hesitate to share your doubts about the prescription with your pharmacist (especially if the writing of the medicine is difficult to read)
- Contact if necessary your doctor to confirm the product he has prescribed for you.
Recommendations for the prescribing doctor
- Since January 1, 2015, all medications must be prescribed in international nonproprietary name (INN), which corresponds to the scientific name of the product, in addition to its trade name,
- Concerning the food supplement Lithos (and in general for all food supplements), the ANSM invites you to add the status of “food supplement” products, to separate these from the drugs and to add the words “as advice” on prescriptions.
Recommendations for the pharmacist
- In case of handwriting that is difficult to read or in doubt on the information indicated on the prescription, we invite you to check with the prescriber the product by having you specify its status and the active substance, and, if necessary, the indication.
- When ordering the product from the wholesaler-distributor (ordered orally or in writing), upon receipt of the order and when it is dispensed to the patients, make sure that it is indeed the right product, in particular checking the active substance.
Recommendations for the wholesaler distributor
- When orders are placed orally or in writing by pharmacies, we recommend that you check carefully whether it is the medicine or the food supplement, either by asking for it orally when ordering, or using the active substance. or by having you check to confirm the spelling of the product and its status (drug or dietary supplement).
- When preparing the order, we advise you to check that it is indeed the right product.
Source: Lytos medicine and Lithos food supplement: reminder of the recommendations to avoid confusion between the two products, ANSM, October 18, 2022.