Certain vasoconstrictor medications, intended to unclog the nose, are now not recommended in their oral form. They are suspected of causing heart and stroke accidents.
The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) renews its alert on Monday October 23 concerning the consumption of cold tablets, franceinfo learned.
All vasoconstrictor medications based on a molecule called pseudoephedrine and taken orally are affected. So tablets like Actifed, Dolirhume, Nurofen, Humex or even Rhinadvil, traditional winter best-sellers in pharmacies. Last year, three million boxes were sold.
These medications are available over the counter in pharmacies, without a prescription, generally not on displays but behind the counter. They have the effect of reducing the size of blood vessels, and in the event of a cold, they deflate the mucous membrane of the nose, they decongest. It’s very effective. But they are now suspected of increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. These are rare cases, only a handful are recorded each year in France.
Too many risks for just a blocked nose
Despite everything, the Medicines Safety Agency considers that the risk is too great for a simple blocked nose. Although it does not yet have formal proof of their dangerousness, the Agency has decided to advise against them as a precaution. In fact, it cannot ban them or suspend their marketing. It is up to Europe to do it, and the European Union is currently looking into the subject. But from now on, France is asking pharmacists to no longer promote them in their pharmacies, and to advise against them. And if patients absolutely want it, the Agency asks them to be well informed about the benefits but also about the potential risks.
Only tablets are covered by the ANSM alert. Vasoconstrictors in the form of nasal sprays are not affected. They are already supervised. To obtain it, you actually need a prescription and doctors are advised to prescribe it sparingly. So, in the event of a cold and a blocked nose, it is better to prefer alternatives such as anti-inflammatories, paracetamol and cleaning the nose with sea water sprays which can also be found in pharmacies.