For several months, the ANSM has advised the French against using certain vasoconstrictor drugs, such as Humex, Dolirhume, Actifed, Nurofen or even Rhinadvil, the aim of which is to unblock the nose.
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Actifed, Humex, DoliRhume… While germs and viruses are circulating at the moment, we would be tempted to buy some to put an end to a persistent cold. However, at the beginning of December 2023, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) renewed its call for vigilance regarding these vasoconstrictors in oral form. According to her, these drugs can in fact cause strokes, but also heart attacks, including in the youngest patients.
Despite this, these drugs still find takers? In the majority of Parisian pharmacies we visited, the first observation was that none of these vasoconstrictors, containing pseudo-ephedrine, were sold over-the-counter. “It’s behind the counter, but not at all highlighted because there are contraindications.”assumes Carole, a Parisian pharmacist.
“We have enough chemistry in our bodies”
Instead, on the counters, we mainly find seawater sprays: “I think we have enough chemistry in our bodies to add more. We have at our disposal excellent products based on natural products. There is pedagogy… We are here for advice. For me, that’s my credo.”she pleads.
Similar strategy in the Océane pharmacy, located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.
But there is no question either for Younès, doctor of pharmacy, of no longer dispensing these medications.
Only, it’s a trickle. “We don’t give them to just anyone. First, we establish our questioning: have you ever had a cardiac history? Are you pregnant? And we also give advice based on your age too. And from there, we can advise you on one medication or another to alleviate the symptoms of the cold.” As a reminder, a cold disappears without treatment after 7 to 10 days.
