Ibuprofen: warn of the dangers of self-medication – ElSol.com.ar – Diario de Mendoza, Argentina

After France's National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Medical Devices (ANSM) published a report stating the counterproductive effects of ibuprofen In certain diseases, calling for a new study at European level and recommending the replacement of this product with paracetamol, this situation has also been noted in Argentina.

The National Drug, Food and Medical Technology Administration (ANMAT) has indicated that the adverse effects of ibuprofen are found in the leaflets. on the dangers of self-medication.

According to Mario Valestra, president of the Pharmaceutical College of Mendoza, clients question them. "Self-medication in general is the problem, not just with ibuprofen. It is a difficult badtail: people consume without information, without control and, in some cases, without taking into account the risks of buying in unauthorized places, "he said.

The pharmacist explained that, in the case of over-the-counter medications, the population generally considers them to be completely harmless. "Ibuprofen is the best-selling, with paracetamol, it requires more than aspirin"informed.

However, the sale is not the same as the distribution, according to Valestra: the latter involves knowing how to consume the drug and how often. "If you knew you were not self-treating, it would be a different problem. But few people know that anti-inflammatories and painkillers cause problems, although this is not immediately apparent, "warned the college president.

See as well: the differences between ibuprofen and paracetamol

In fact, a national survey conducted by UADE University and consulting firm Voices! on self-medication in Argentina, said half of the population who consume drugs does so at its own discretion. Sergio Saracco, toxicologist and director of the Observatory of Public Health and Consumer Issues, added that, in the case of anti-inflammatory drugs, 70% of those who consume them are treating themselves.

"Ibuprofen is neither good nor bad, it's irresponsible use, all drugs have their contraindications and their side effects: the problem is that advertising leads people to buy this but does not report problems, "he said.

The dangers of this drug involve gastric risk, gastrointestinal bleeding, in addition to increasing the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications. "You have to take a dose of 400 milligrams every 8 hours, no less … There is something similar with paracetamol, which can complicate the liver, so you do not need to consume the drug. Alcohol, or mix it with other drugs, "maintained Saracco.

If you use these drugs for fever, the toxicologist warned that this should not be done for more than two days without consulting the doctor or three in case of muscle pain.