Sold in French pharmacies, this muscle relaxant whose effectiveness is considered “uncertain” would expose one to serious allergic reactions.
No longer available in cream but still in tablets. The muscle relaxant Lumirelax® (methocarbamol) marketed by the laboratory Juvisé Pharmaceuticals and indicated in case of joint pain and muscle contracturewould expose to severe allergic reactions as angioedema and anaphylactic shock. He however remains available on the French marketunderlines Prescrire magazine in October 2023. For the independent medical journal, it is necessary stop its marketing to protect patients. Because of these serious side effects and the effectiveness deemed “uncertain” on painful muscle contractures, Prescrire has listed this medication on the list of medications to exclude care since 2013. “This medication may cause allergic-type symptoms. […] If you experience any side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist“, we can read on the medication leaflet.
“Do not exceed a treatment duration of 8 days”
► In 2019one of the commissions of the French Medicines Agency (ANSM) in charge of the re-evaluation of medicines concludes that an unfavorable benefit-risk balance methocarbamol tablets. Concerning cream, 4 members of the commission were in favor of withdrawing from the market, 1 member against, and 4 members abstained. Despite everything, the ANSM and the firm chose to leave methocarbamol on the market.
► Mid-2022L’ANSM informs of a restriction of use of methocarbamol to situations where “the response to first-line non-drug and drug treatments proves insufficient”, and of the cream form to patients aged 15 and over, given the risks of neurological accidents such as convulsions in infants and children“. Following this alert, the dispensation of the cream is only done on medical prescription, as was already the case for tablets. Also, it is recommended not to exceed a treatment duration of 8 days, whether for the cream or the tablets.
► Mid-2023, Lumirelax® creamcontaining methocarbamol, is no longer available on the French market, its marketing having been stopped due to “industrial difficulties” by Juvisé Pharmaceuticals, preventing the resumption of production of these specialties. The tablets still remain available.