Medicines withdrawn from over-the-counter sale in France – Pseudoephedrine: a decision expected for Mauritius

Since Wednesday December 11, eight anti-cold medications containing the pseudoephedrine molecule (see box) are no longer available without a prescription in France. This decision, taken following a study by the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM), aims to limit the risks of serious side effects, in particular strokes and heart attacks. Although these adverse events are rare, restricting access to these medications is considered necessary to raise public awareness of these dangers.

In Mauritius, Dr Aswamed Dinassing, Acting Director General of Health Services, believes that this measure deserves careful consideration. This opinion is shared by Siddique Khodabocus, representative of the Association of Small and Medium Importers of Pharmaceutical Products, and by pharmacist Arshad Saroar. “In consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO), we will decide on the course of action: either ban the sale of products containing pseudoephedrine in Mauritius, or make them available only by prescription, as in France,” explained Dr Dinassing.

Siddique Khodabocus highlights the absence of clear regulations demarcating freely sold medications from those requiring a prescription. He calls for a review of the legislation in order to better define these categories and ensure better consumer protection. He recalls that certain medications, such as psychotropic drugs, are already strictly regulated by the Dangerous Drugs Act. However, other medicines are not on this list and can be sold over the counter under the control of a pharmacist, in accordance with the Poisons Act.

Siddique Khodabocus notes that, even when prescribed, these medications can cause serious side effects in predisposed patients. He emphasizes the crucial role of the pharmacist in this context. “The pharmacist is not limited to selling medicines, he also advises patients. This is why we asked for the introduction of a ‘service fee’, because this advice cannot be free,” he explains.

Pharmacist Arshad Saroar observes that self-medication is a common practice in Mauritius and calls for consultation between the Ministry of Health, via pharmacovigilance, and stakeholders to decide on the future of medicines containing pseudoephedrine. He suggests that their access be conditioned either by a medical prescription or by the advice of a pharmacist. According to him, alternatives exist, and patients should not have difficulty finding a treatment adapted to their condition.

For Arshad Saroar, the ANSM’s decision is above all a safety measure for patients.

“Drugs containing pseudoephedrine should be used with caution, only on medical advice or on the advice of a pharmacist, given the rare but serious risks of adverse effects. It is imperative to strictly respect these precautions,” he says.