Actifed, Nurofen Cold, Rhinadvilcaps… Why these anti-cold medications are banned from over-the-counter sales from this Wednesday

From Wednesday December 11, French health authorities are making it compulsory to present a prescription at a pharmacy to receive eight famous anti-cold treatments widely considered dangerous. What drugs will be banned from over-the-counter sales?

“In view of the numerous contraindications, precautions for use and known adverse effects of pseudoephedrine on the one hand and the benign nature of the common cold on the other hand”the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) considers that “the possibility of obtaining these medicines without medical advice poses too great a risk to patients”according to a decision revealed Monday. “We ask prescribing doctors to carefully assess the benefit/risk balance for each patient before prescribing one of these medications”added the ANSM, whose ban decision was awaited.

Actifed Cold, Actifed Cold day and night, Dolirhume Paracetamol and Pseudoephedrine, Dolirhumepro Paracetamol Pseudoephedrine and Doxylamine, Humex Cold, Nurofen Cold, Rhinadvil Cold, Ibuprofen/Pseudoephedrine, and Rhinadvilcaps Cold Ibuprofen/Pseudoephedrine are the eight treatments that will require a prescription to be purchased in pharmacies. Without this precious sesame, pharmacists will not be able to give it. What these drugs all have in common is that they contain the pseudoephedrine molecule.

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Health authorities regularly warn against misuse of these medications, which are well known to the general public. “A vasoconstrictor is a medication that aims to decongest the nose” and which also contains “an analgesic (paracetamol, ibuprofen) or an antihistamine”explains the ANSM.

The ANSM reminds that the dosage must be strictly respected, not to exceed 5 days of treatment, and not to combine these medications with another vasoconstrictor or another medication containing paracetamol, ibuprofen or an antihistamine. These medicines should also not be used in children under 15 years of age. They are strongly not recommended throughout pregnancy and should never be used from the end of the 5th month when they contain ibuprofen.