Too many side effects: this famous drug will no longer be able to appear on television

Too many side effects this famous drug will no longer

The medicines agency decides to ban advertising for this medicine in newspapers, on television, on websites or in any other French mainstream media.

You have certainly already taken it to relieve a headache, throat or even pain but this medicine anti-inflammatory too risky will no longer be able to appear on television from April 2, 2024, announces the National Medicines Agency (ANSM) in a communicated. “There will therefore be no more advertising in newspapers, on television, on websites or in any other mainstream media.” This ban specifically targets medications containing 400 mg of ibuprofen, available without a prescription. Health authorities recommend taking ibuprofen at a dose of 200 mg as first intention, not 400 mg. “Despite the word of caution in advertisements aimed at the general public: “Use the lowest possible dose, ibuprofen exists at 200 mg”, these advertisements for medicines containing 400 mg of ibuprofen were not likely to encourage patients to start with the lowest dose of ibuprofen, i.e. 200 mg” reports the ANSM.

It can cause bleeding

The health agency notes that reports ofserious side effects linked to this higher dose of ibuprofen, in particular gastro-digestive bleeding and kidney damage, have increase alongside the number of advertisements broadcast. This ban “does not, however, call into question the positive benefit-risk balance of these medications” specifies the authority. Since 2019, the over-the-counter sale of ibuprofen has been prohibited in France. The boxes must be positioned behind the pharmacist’s counter. “We have also added to their instructions a mention of the fact that taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can mask the symptoms of a bacterial infection and lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.” As a reminder, NSAIDs should not be used:

  • If you are allergic to the active substance or any of the other ingredients contained in the medicine;
  • If you have a history of allergy or asthma triggered by taking an NSAID or a related medicine such as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin);
  • If you are pregnant, from the start of the 6th month of pregnancy (beyond 24 weeks of amenorrhea);
  • If you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers related to previous treatment with NSAIDs;
  • If you have a progressive or recurring stomach or intestinal ulcer or bleeding;
  • If you have bleeding in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage);
  • If you have a severe liver disease ;
  • If you have a severe kidney disease ;
  • If you have a serious heart disease.

The risk of adverse effects is greater in the elderly. In the event of infection, use paracetamol to soothe pain and/or reduce fever, particularly in cases of angina, nasopharyngitis, otitis, cough, lung infection, dental infection, lesion. skin or chickenpox.

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