2023-04-28 15:07:14
28 avril 2023
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause infectious complications, which are sometimes serious. Also, the ANSM advises to favor paracetamol in case of current infection.
The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) is warning this Friday, April 28 on the importance of respecting the rules for the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A reminder formulated after the occurrence of sometimes fatal complications in adults and children who have taken NSAIDs, on prescription or self-medication.
These cases were reported to the ANSM by the pharmacovigilance centers (CRPV). “In a context of resurgence of invasive streptococcal A infections, we remind you of the rules for the proper use of these drugs”, notes the health agency in its bulletin. The ANSM specifies that infections can occur “including in the event of co-prescription of antibiotics”.
NSAIDs have four common properties: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic (against fever) and antiaggregating (to thin the blood). Voltarène, Aspégic, Aspirin, Advil, Nurofen, Kétum… are among the best-known NSAIDs and found in the medicine cabinets of many French people. Aspirin, ibuprofen or even flurbiprofen are sometimes used in self-medication, available without a prescription, adds Ameli.fr.
NSAIDs causing delayed diagnosis
“Ibuprofen and ketoprofen can mask symptoms such as fever or pain and therefore lead to a delay in diagnosis and patient management. This can result in a risk of serious complications from the infection,” warns the ANSM.
The agency therefore advises in the event of frequent infections to favor paracetamol, the molecule in particular contained in Doliprane. These common infections concern angina, nasopharyngitis, ear infections, episodes of coughing, lung infections, dental infections, skin lesions or even chickenpox.
More specifically concerning angina, an epidemiological study carried out in 2017 had shown that taking NSAIDs increased the risk of phlegmon, this abscess in the throat.
Four rules for caregivers and at home to follow
- 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 in case of chickenpox;
The health agency also tells parents that below 38.5° it is not useful to lower a child’s fever with medication. A cool and airy room, less layers of clothing can be enough to relieve it and bring down the temperature.
In pregnant women, they are contraindicated from the sixth month of pregnancy and should be used with caution before this date. Finally, it is not advisable to stop long-term NSAID treatments but to seek advice from your attending physician. Especially in case of fever.
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#Antiinflammatories #drugs #caution #une