2023-10-23 08:04:07
October 23, 2023
Actifed, Dolirhume, Humex Rhume, Rhinadvil… The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) is once once more warning of the risks of vasoconstrictor drugs used once morest the common cold. A priori harmless – even if no medication is – they would expose you to cardiovascular risks (myocardial infarction, stroke, etc.).
In 2015, vasoconstrictors were in the crosshairs of the National Academy of Medicine for their potential cardiovascular effects. In 2019, the ANSM took over and in turn warned of adverse effects linked to taking some of these medications.
A small but real risk
Four years later the agency renews its warnings. “ Myocardial infarction and stroke may occur following use of vasoconstrictor medications (pseudoephedrine) to relieve cold symptoms », she warns. “ The risk is very low but these events can occur regardless of the dose and duration of treatment. »
The products concerned are:
- Active Rume
- Actifed Cold day and night
- Dolirhume Paracetamol and Pseudoephedrine
- Dolirhumepro Paracetamol Pseudoephedrine and Doxylamine
- Humex Rhume
- Nurofen colds
- Rhinadvil Cold Ibuprofen/ Pseudoephedrine
- Rhinadvilcaps Cold Ibuprofen/ Pseudoephedrine
For their part, the College of General Medicine, the National Professional ENT Council, as well as the National Order of Pharmacists and community pharmacists’ unions ” agree with this recommendation not to use oral forms of vasoconstrictor medications to relieve symptoms of the common cold, mild nasopharyngitis of viral origin. »
Health professionals point out that a cold heals spontaneously in 7 to 10 days. They recommend simple actions to help relieve symptoms, including regular washing with physiological serum, sea water sprays, sufficient hydration, sleeping with your head elevated, etc.
The question now is why these drugs retain their marketing authorization if the benefit provided is only minimal compared to the risks.
To note : remember that a vasoconstrictor is a medication whose action aims to unclog the nose. In France, they are available in the form of a tablet or nasal spray, subject to compulsory prescription. The risk of adverse effects is increased with simultaneous use of an oral and nasal vasoconstrictor.
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