Dolirhume, Actifed, Humex… New warning against cold relievers.

As the mercury gradually drops as winter approaches, colds return. Runny nose, cough, hoarse throat, watery eyes… These symptoms common at this time of the year are well known to everyone. To combat the disease and relieve its symptoms, patients may be tempted to swallow a tablet of a trusted brand. But that’s wrong, authorities warned this Sunday.

In a press release, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) reminds that the use of these products, such as Dolirhume, Humex or Actifed, is not at risk. “Heart attacks and strokes can occur after using vasoconstrictor drugs (pseudoephedrine) to relieve cold symptoms.“. Undoubtedly a rare risk, with 307 serious cases between 2012 and 2018, according to ANSM, cited by Parisian – but”these events may occur regardless of the dose and duration of treatment“. The agency therefore prefers to advise against the use of these vasoconstrictor drugs, which “are available without a prescription and are often subject to inappropriate use“, verbally.

This alert was launched in collaboration with many actors such as “The College of General Medicine, the National Professional ENT Council as well as the National Order of Pharmacists and Associations of Community Pharmacists“, is not the first of its kind. For several years, the authorities have tried to limit the use of these drugs, the risks of which are known due to the presence of pseudoephedrine. Efforts pay off. box sales fell from sixteen million in 2010 to three million eleven years later.

Patience, calm andsuitable washing solutions“nose

In 2018, advertising of these products was banned, and “other restrictive measures may be taken to protect patientsLast February, the ANSM asked for a European-wide re-evaluation of these drugs. A decision made on the basis of the latest data, which “report cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndromes (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes (RCVS) after administration of an oral vasoconstrictor containing pseudoephedrine.“, the agency clarifies.

This warning only covers over-the-counter pills. Instead of these drugs, the ANSM states that colds usually clear up in less than ten days without any help. Patients who want to alleviate symptoms that interfere with their daily lives can also use nasal “comfort wash solutions” such as saline or seawater sprays. They also need to drink enough, sleep with their heads up and keep their temperature up. at home at a temperature of 18 to 20 degrees, airing the rooms.

Last year, the agency recommended that patients who want to take these drugs inform their pharmacists so they can recommend or not recommend the drug. Dosage should be maintained and if applicable, treatment should not exceed five days. In addition, vasoconstrictors should not be used in children under the age of fifteen, neither during pregnancy nor during breastfeeding. “Watch for symptoms that may indicate a stroke or heart attackANSM also advised. Caution is the mother of safety.