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Due to misuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the National Medicines Safety Agency reminds us of the rules to follow when taking this type of treatment.
Due to “several cases of infectious complications with sometimes fatal outcome in adults and children” and a “context of resurgence of invasive streptococcal A infections“, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) publishes on its website a reminder of the proper use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.
NSAIDs, often used on prescription but also in self-medication
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen are drugs widely used by the population, whether for self-medication or on prescription. They have analgesic properties – which therefore calm the pain – but also antipyretic properties to lower fever.
Problem: they”can mask symptoms such as fever or pain and therefore lead to a delay in diagnosis and patient management” and also “result in a risk of serious complications from the infection” explains the ANSM.
In certain situations, prefer paracetamol
In this context, the Agency recommends in the event of “pain and/or fever, especially in the event of a common infection such as sore throat, dental infection, cough, nasopharyngitis, otitis, lung infection, skin lesion or chickenpox, it is advisable to favor the use paracetamol”.
To remember for a good use of NSAIDs in case of pain and/or fever:
- Prescribe and use NSAIDs at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest possible duration (3 days if fever, 5 days if pain);
- Stop treatment as soon as symptoms disappear;
- Do not take another NSAID at the same time;
- Avoid NSAIDs for chickenpox.
For the parents, “if your child’s temperature does not exceed 38.5°C, it is not necessary to give him medicine for the fever“recalls the ANSM again.
Simple gestures can relieve the fever of the child, before considering the administration of a medicine against the fever:
- Take off layers of clothing, without undressing him completely;
- Install it in a cool, ventilated room (between 18 and 20°C);
- Give him fresh water to drink often, even if he doesn’t ask you to.
Reminder for pregnant women and people on long-term treatment
For people on long-term treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, for example for a rheumatic pathology, do not stop your treatment and contact your doctor if you have any doubts, especially in the event of fever. Finally, remember thatall NSAIDs are contraindicated from the beginning of the 6th month of pregnancy and their use must be done with caution before this period“.