Ibuprofen, ketoprofen… The Medicines Agency has reported several cases of infectious complications with sometimes fatal outcomes in adults and children who have taken nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Pain, fever… THE first reflex should not not be taking anti-inflammatories non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs), once again alerts the National Medicines Agency in a communicated of April 28, 2023. As proof, several cases of sometimes fatal infectious complications at adults and children having taken this type of medication, on prescription or self-medication, were reported in March 2023. “These complications can occur even in the event of co-prescription of antibiotics” specifies the authority. NSAIDs, such asibuprofen, ketoprofen can mask symptoms such as fever or pain and therefore lead to delayed diagnosis and care of the patient and worsen the prognosis.
The Medicines Agency recalls the rules to follow:
►In case pain and/or fever, especially with a common infection such as angina, a nasopharyngitisa otitisa coughlung infection, infection dentala skin lesion or varicellapreference should be given to the use of paracetamol.
► On prescription, taking NSAIDs should not be exceeded 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 in case of chickenpox
► If the your child’s temperature does not exceed 38.5° Cit is not no need to give him medicine against fever.
►All NSAIDs are contraindicated from the beginning of the 6th month of pregnancy and their use must be done with precaution before this period.
For people treated long-term with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, for example for a rheumatic pathology, they should not stop their treatment but approach the doctor in case of doubt, especially fever.
Source: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and serious infectious complications, ANSM, April 28, 2023