Published on
Updated
Reading 1 min.
According to the ANSM, Antarene Codeine, a painkiller that combines ibuprofen and codeine, could cause serious adverse effects – potentially fatal.
It was in a press release dated February 13 that the ANSM sounded the alert. “Several cases of renal, gastrointestinal and metabolic toxicity have been reported” in countries where the drug “is available without a prescription“, she thus indicated.
Antarene Codeine (codeine-ibuprofen): the risks to be aware of
Antarene Codeine is usually recommended for the treatment of moderate to severe pain that is not relieved by aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen used alone. It combines two painkillers, ibuprofen and codeine – an opiate molecule, like morphine.
The problem ? It can cause “kidney and intestinal toxicity that can lead to death“, specifies the ANSM.
Several cases of renal, gastrointestinal and metabolic toxicity have thus been reported in countries where it is available without a prescription:
“Prolonged intake of this medication causes kidney damage (kidney failure) and a significant drop in blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) which may cause muscle weakness and impaired consciousness. Perforations and bleeding in the stomach or intestines as well as severe anemia have also been observed”, details the Agency.
These serious side effects occur in the event of prolonged intake of the drug, in a context of abuse (doses higher than the recommended doses), and dependence on codeine.
Also, to limit the risks, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has requested that these undesirable effects be added to the summary of product characteristics (SPC) and the leaflet of the medicine.
In case of dependence on Antarene Codeine, a doctor should be consulted quickly.