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Health: an alert launched on cold medications
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Over-the-counter cold medications are not recommended by the Medicines Safety Agency. Their side effects can be heart attacks or strokes.
Humex cold, Dolirhume, Actifed cold or Rhinadvil… These medications available without a prescription appeal to many patients. Made of pseudoephedrine, they are not safe. Monday October 23, the Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) recommends no longer consuming these tablets, which promise to overcome colds in less than 48 hours. Theirs Side effects can be extremely serious.
Non-drug alternatives
Risks of heart attack or stroke are possible in all populations. “Even without risk factors. It can also be with limited uses”, warns Christelle Ratignier-Carbonneil, general director of the ANSM. More than 300 serious cases were recorded between 2012 and 2018. In the event of a blocked nose or hoarse throat, some choose non-drug alternatives. “Possibly, cleansing the nose with physiological serum”, explains a woman. The decision to ban these drugs must be taken at European level.