The ANSM warns about the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the event of pain or fever, which can reduce the symptoms of more serious problems.
- The ANSM recommends using paracetamol in case of fever and pain rather than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- NSAIDs mask symptoms and can lead to diagnostic delays.
- Below 38.5°C, it is not necessary to give your child medicine for the fever.
“Several cases of infectious complications with sometimes fatal outcome in adults and children who took nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), on prescription or self-medication, were reported to us in March 2023 by regional pharmacovigilance centers (CRPV) , can we read in the communicated of the’National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM). These complications can occur even in the event of co-prescription of antibiotics.”
NSAIDs: they can reduce symptoms and delay diagnosis
The ANSM reports that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs block the formation of prostaglandins, the substances responsible for inflammation. “ibuprofen and ketoprofen [deux médicaments AINS souvent pris par les patients dans la population générale] can mask symptoms such as fever or pain and therefore lead to a delay in diagnosis and patient management, explains the ANSM. This can result in a risk of serious complications from the infection.”
The ANSM recommends favoring paracetamol
Thus, the health agency recommends using paracetamol, the most widely consumed analgesic in France according to the Vidalin case of pain or fever, “especially in the context of a common infection such as angina, nasopharyngitis, otitis, cough, lung infection, dental infection, skin lesion or chicken pox.” As a reminder, this drug is effective in reducing several types of pain, such as headaches, dental or joint pain, flu-like conditions, painful periods, etc.
Children can take paracetamol, as can pregnant or breastfeeding women. “If the recommended doses are not exceeded, [les] side effects are rare.” In addition, in its press release, the ANSM reminds parents of children that below 38.5° C, “it is not necessary to give medicine for the fever. Simple gestures can relieve him: take off layers of clothing, without undressing him completely, install him in a cool and ventilated room (between 18 and 20°C). Give him fresh water to drink often, even if he doesn’t ask you to.”
