The controversies against ibuprofen are as follows: The local industry of over-the-counter drugs has indicated that "it is effective and safe in case of responsible use"

National Agency of Medicines (ANSM) used no euphemism by questioning the use and effects of ibuprofen: It indicated directly as a stimulator of infections such as those caused by strep and responsible for angina, nasopharyngitis, otitis, cough, lung infections and even infections. 39; other types of infections that can cause skin lesions and chicken pox. It also relaunched a report by the European Agency (EMA) of the year 2015 which had already warned against the possible cardiovascular risks badociated with the consumption of this popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory badgesic, also available without a prescription in most countries of the world and surrounded by a context sensitive because it is very prescribed in children.

In Argentina, the voice of the nonprescription drug manufacturing industry through the Chamber of Argentinean manufacturers of over-the-counter drugs (CAPEMVeL) was energetically pronounced and aiming at responsible use of ibuprofen and / or ketoprofen, as a result of the health alert launched these days by the ANSM. And he stressed that if the use of ibuprofen is adequate, it will be "effective and safe".

Free sale with clear rules

What is the responsible use of an over-the-counter medication in general and in this particular case of ibuprofen specifically means to avoid any adverse effects? This means three basic things: respect the indication, the dose and the duration in the leaflet.

In Argentina, the presentation of ibuprofen that can be purchased without a prescription is the dose of 400 milligrams. and its consumption should not exceed 1200 milligrams per day, that is to say the 3 tablets and / or capsules per day.

"All health agencies tend to issue alerts when they identify a situation that catches their attention." In this case, they observed adverse effects that could have been caused by ibuprofen in people with certain infections and to whom doctors had prescribed antibiotics and an antibiotic. badgesic It is in the context of this treatment that some patients have had an aggravation requiring hospitalization. One of the badumptions is that the sum of the pain reliever and the antibiotic may have had to be calculated, but it is an alert, it is not a confirmation and there is no indication that there was a direct relationship, "explained Dr. Jimena Worcel, medical director of CAPEMVeL.

Worcel said: "It is important to point out that these adverse effects – reported by the ANSM of France – arose as part of a medical treatment, and not in patients who had purchased them themselves. And what happens is that since ibuprofen has over-the-counter presentations, in many countries the alert is aimed not only at doctors but also at the population in general ".

Look with a French accent

In Argentina, ANMAT, the National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technologies, states that over-the-counter medicines "are safe and effective when used appropriately, and are indicated for the treatment of easily recognizable symptoms and diseases, be used for a limited time (a few days) and, in case of persistent symptoms, should be suspended and consult a doctor.

"At the local level, the highest concentration sold over the counter is 400 milligrams, while concentrations between 600 and 800 milligrams are sold only on prescription." In his prospectus, the details of the maximum daily dose (in the case of over-the-counter ibuprofen, this dose is 1200 milligrams, or 3 tablets / capsules, and it is also indicated that, if the person's condition does not improve, it will Worsens or an adverse reaction appears, between 48 and 72 hours of administration, it is necessary to consult the doctor, "said Worcel.

Self-medication and self-prescription officials, two key concepts

Throughout the world, we have been talking for several years about "Responsible self-medication" The decision to use an over-the-counter medication for the treatment of a known, familiar, frequent, mild or moderate illness, with no intensity, such as menstrual pain, headaches or heartburn.

AT Dr. Worcel, the problem lies in what is called "self-prescription": the act by which people go to the pharmacy without a doctor's prescription and acquire prescription drugs, which are used for more complex pathologies and which must be administered as part of a medical treatment and follow-up.

In what happened in France, both ibuprofen and ketoprofen were prescribed by a doctor. It is therefore possible that the stated presentation exceeds 400 milligrams. It is known that at daily doses of 2,400 milligrams (twice the amount recommended for over-the-counter sales), experts point out that some adverse effects could occur much more often.